Ruth Faison Shaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Faison Shaw
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| Born | October 15, 1889 Kenansville, North Carolina
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| Died | December 8, 1969 (aged 80) Fayetteville, North Carolina
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| Education | James Sprunt Institute |
| Known for | developing the art of finger painting and as a pioneer in progressive education. |
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Notable work
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Finger Painting: A Perfect Medium for Self-Expression (1934) |
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Ruth Faison Shaw (1889–1969) was an American artist and teacher. She is famous for bringing finger painting to the United States. She made it a popular way for kids to learn and express themselves through art. Ruth developed her special painting methods and even created a safe, non-toxic paint. She got a patent for this paint in 1931 while working in Rome, Italy.
Contents
Ruth Shaw's Early Life and Education
Ruth Faison Shaw was born on October 15, 1889, in Kenansville, North Carolina. Her father was a minister, and she grew up with four brothers. She went to elementary school in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. In 1906, she graduated from the James Sprunt Institute, a school for girls. She also studied at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. After finishing school, Ruth worked as a teacher in the Appalachian Mountains. This was in Transylvania County, North Carolina.
Traveling to Europe and Starting a School
In 1918, Ruth Shaw traveled to France and Italy. She went with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). While in Rome, Italy, she decided to open her own school. This school was for children who spoke English.
Developing Finger Painting as Art
Ruth Shaw is known for creating the art of finger painting. She later brought this fun art form into schools across America. She once said she got the idea in 1926. She saw a child smearing iodine on a wall. This made her realize that children love to "smear" and play with textures. At this time, Ruth had already started her experimental school, the Shaw School.
Creating Safe Paints and Techniques
Ruth worked hard to develop the right ways to finger paint. She also created the special materials needed. In 1931, she received a patent for her new paint. It was a soft, jelly-like paint that was safe for children to use.
Bringing Finger Painting to American Schools
In 1932, Ruth Shaw returned to the United States. She began working at the Dalton School in New York City. There, she added finger painting to the school's art classes. People were very interested in this new art form. In 1933, an exhibition of finger painting art was held in Manhattan. Ruth also wrote several books about finger painting.
Ruth Shaw's Impact and Later Career
Ruth Shaw became a leader in new ways of teaching. People saw her as a pioneer in progressive education. She was often asked to give talks about finger painting. She also helped set up art shows to display finger paintings.
Expanding Her Work and Legacy
Ruth started a factory in New York to make her special paint. She also began offering finger painting workshops for adults. In 1942, she became a teacher at Teachers College, Columbia University. Ruth Faison Shaw passed away in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1969. Her important papers are kept at the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina.
Images for kids
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Ruth Faison Shaw in 1947
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Ruth Faison Shaw's signature
