Katie Ruiz facts for kids
Katie Ruiz is an artist who paints and makes sculptures. She was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1984. Today, she lives in San Diego, California. Katie is also an activist, which means she uses her art to help make positive changes in the world. Her artwork often shows natural things and special symbols found in blankets.
About Katie Ruiz
Katie Ruiz was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1984. She grew up there and also in Northern Arizona. Her mother, grandmother, and uncle helped raise her and her younger sister. Katie has traveled to many countries, which has inspired her art, especially her use of designs from Latin American fabrics. She has moved many times, even twice during the recent pandemic. Katie moved to San Diego in 2017 and still lives there.
Katie studied art at Northern Arizona University. She also earned a master's degree from the New York Studio School in 2015. After her studies, she continued creating art. Today, she also teaches art at the New York Studio School and the Athenaeum School. She has also received special scholarships for her art, like the Mac Connor Scholarship in 2014 and the Hohenburg Travel Scholarship in 2015.
The Blanket Series
Katie is well-known for her "blanket series." In these artworks, she uses the idea of blankets and Latin American textiles. She shows how these blankets can represent cozy, personal moments. During the pandemic, Katie spent time exploring new ways to create her art.
The term "Blanketism" was created for an art style that uses blanket symbols. These symbols help artists show different feelings and ideas. Katie uses them to tell stories, share special moments, and show closeness between people. Besides her blanket series, Katie has made many sculptures and paintings. Some of her paintings are currently on display at the "Staff Picks Exhibition" at the Oceanside Museum of Art.
Katie also finished creating a children's book called Brian the Wildflower. During the pandemic, she made masks for healthcare workers. She also created several "healing alters," which are special art pieces meant to bring comfort.
Art Exhibitions
Katie Ruiz's art has been shown in many places. She has had both solo shows, where only her art is displayed, and group shows, where her art is shown with other artists' work.
Solo Exhibitions
- Brian and the Bugs (2021) Mural and Installation, New Children's Museum, San Diego, CA
- Waves of Feminism (2021) Women's Museum of California, San Diego, CA
- San Diego International Airport Exhibit (2021), San Diego, CA
- The PomPom Project (2020) Oceanside Museum of Art, CA
- 1805 Gallery Xicana (2019) curated by Lauren Siry, San Diego, CA
- Mother Rose Cried Many Burdens (2018) Mesa College Art Gallery San Diego, CA
- Artistic Soireé (2017) curated by Brit Magnuson, Los Angeles CA
- Blankets (2015) Thesis Exhibition at New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, New York, NY
Group Exhibitions
- Staff Picks (2021) Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego, CA
- MCASD Museum Auction (2020), San Diego, CA
- Mercedes Matter Award Exhibition (2020) NYC, NY
- Sidewalk Activism (2020) curated by Jim Daichendt, Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego, California
