Annie Ruth's Select Accomplishments

ARTS & EDUCATION CURRICULUM DEVELOPED 

• 2022: What's the Word? READ Punctuation Poster set (Pre K - Grade 4) -
• 2021: On Her Shoulders Arts Curriculum Connections (Grade 6 - Adult) 
• 2017: Dada Rafiki Herstory card collection 
• 2013: Dada Rafiki Sisters of Legacy Inspirational Art Cards 
• 2013: What's the Word? READ Match Card Game developed to promote interactive learning 
• 2012: Open Eye Series: (Grades 7 - Adult) 
• 2012: Circles, Rainbows and Dreams: (Grades K - 6) 
• 2011: What's the Word? READ Promoting Early Literacy through the Arts (Educator Training) 
• 2010: Celebrating the Legacy of Gospel Music (grade 7 - Adult) 
• 2009: Celebrating Sisters of Success in Arts & Culture (Grade 7 - Adult) 
• 2008: Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height (Grade 7 - Adult) 
• 2006: Conversations with a Sisterfriend (Grade 7 - Adult) 
• 2005: I Can Read Visual Art Curriculum Connections (Grade 7 - Adult) 
• 2001: What's the Word? READ (Pre K - Grade 3) 

BOOKS & CD PROJECTS 

• 2021: Conquering the Hell Chapters
• 2016: B-A-B-U Bah-Boo book written & illustrated by Annie Ruth
• 2015: My Daddy Reads book, written by (Gerian Johnson AKA Teniah), Illustrated by Annie Ruth
• 2014: My Daddy Reads Literacy Campaign and CD project
• 2011: Dare2Dream CD project with Urban Dynasty Entertainment 
• 2007: Dada Means Sister book written & illustrated by Annie Ruth
• 2007: Conversations with a Sisterfriend, collection of poetry by Annie Ruth
• 2005: I Can Read book written and illustrated by Annie Ruth
• 2005: What’s the Word? READ CD by Annie Ruth, promoting reading and literacy
• 2004: When My Mama Reads to Me by Julie Elkus (author) Annie Ruth (illustrator)
• 2002: Soul of a Sister CD written, produced and recorded | Annie Ruth
• 2001: What’s the Word? READ artwork series and arts programming 
• 1999: Reflection: A Collection of Straight Talk & Inspirational Narratives | Annie Ruth
• 1998: Little Angels Coloring and Holiday Activity Book: The Special Gift by Annie Ruth (author) Annie Ruth (illustrator)
• 1998: No! Not on the Pews by Annie Ruth (author) Annie Ruth (illustrator)
• 1996: Embracing Charity, a collection of poetry and prose
• 1991: Songs from the Heart of a Black Woman, poetry and prose
• 1989: Between You and Me, poetry
• 1986: Sing Out for the reader who loves to explore life, poetry
• 1984: I Am Aware, poetry chapbook

SELECTED INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS/PROJECTS 

• 2023: Annie Ruth's Arts Expression Club - Nigeria for youth ages 7 - 18 (Project Director: Joshua Akapo)
• 2019: Cultural Exchange collaboration with Arts in Medicine (Nigeria) and Eye of the Artists Foundation. (Nigeria), International Artist Facilitator/Arts & Cultural Ambassador – 
• 2018: Helping Hands for the Nations, Inc. (Kenya Outreach), International Artist Facilitator – 
• 2014: Helping Hands for the Nations, Inc. (Kenya Outreach), International Artist Facilitator – presenting spoken word performances and lectures for children in schools, orphanages, and churches in Nairobi, Kenya and outlining villages. Collected donations of funds and school supplies in USA to distribute to these groups. 
• 2010 – 2011: Cincinnati Museum Center, In Their Own Voices (The Kenya Project), International Visual Artist Facilitator – creating a 140 –piece mosaic fusing the art of children in the United States and Kenya. 

SELECTED NATIONAL & MAJOR PROGRAMS/PROJECTS 

• 2020: Dada Rafiki: Conversations Podcast – Producer and Host 
• 2016: Engage Cincinnati Challenge Grant Recipient, Dads' Night Out Weekend, Cincinnati, OH, Engaging fathers and families in arts and literacy in underserved neighborhoods. 
• 2015: Eye of the Artists Foundation My Daddy Reads National Literacy Campaign 
• 2014: Cincinnati Museum Center, Duke Energy Children's Museum Lobby, My Daddy Reads art celebrating fathers role in literacy and learning. 
• 2013: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; Curator & Designer, Dada Rafiki: Sisters of Legacy, Exhibit & Community programming in 59 venues throughout Cincinnati, OH 
• 2009 & 2010: I Hear Music in the Air Conference, Cincinnati, OH, Workshop Presenter, Women in Ministry, Spirit-born Creativity 
• 2008: National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation, Growing Together Connecting for Life Conference, Keynote Speaker ​
• 2008: Tyra Banks Show, Annie Ruth featured in Black History Month vignettes airing on Fox and Oxygen Networks throughout the month of February 
• 2004 – 2009: My Sister My Friend Health Expo, Brooklyn, NY, Keynote Speaker 
• 2006: Association of African American Museums, Making Arts Connections with Community-based artists, Conference Presenter 
• 2006: Vanjo Productions, If this Hat Could Talk, Washington, DC, graphic art support for, a musical honoring the life of Dr. Dorothy I. Height 
• 2006: Cincinnati Museum Center, John Ruthven Gallery, Lighting Candles: Embracing the Spirit of the Holiday Season 
• 2005: National Afro American Museum & Cultural Center, Lectures and Programming, I Can Read, Wilberforce, OH 
• 2004: Presbyterian Foundation, Jeffersonville, IN (Collection), Giving Light to the World 
• 2004: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Grand Opening, Performance, I Dance to Freedom’s Song 
• 2004: National Afro American Museum & Cultural Center, Wilberforce, OH (National Collection); Higher Learning 

SELECTED REGIONAL PROGRAMS/PROJECTS 

• 1998 - 2023: Consultant, Touring artist/and educator with Cincinnati Arts Association, Artist on Tour 
• 2014: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Peter and the Wolf, Celebrity Guest Narrator 
• 2006 - 2015: My Sista, My Friend Young Women’s Conference benefitting youth ages 13 - 25, Cincinnati, OH (Founder/Host) 
• 2005 - 2015: Dada Rafiki, Founder, Sisterhood celebration (Community Artists exhibition) 
• 2004: Ohio Supreme Court (Appointment) Attorney Guardian Ad Litem (Child Advocate) Training Advisory Committee member 
• 2004 - 2010: WCET Arts Initiatives, Cincinnati, OH Teaching Artist & Consultant, Visual Arts Integration 
• 2000: Sister Project, promoting unity and diversity, distribution of posters and guidebooks to various women’s groups throughout Cincinnati. 
• 1998 – 2011: Touring Artist with the Cincinnati Arts Association Artist’s on Tour Educational Outreach 
• 2003: Coordinated children’s performances and educational programming for Cincinnati’s 1st Annual Radio One Black Book Fair, Cincinnati, OH 
• 2000 – 2003: Association for the Advancement of Arts Education, Cincinnati, OH, Artist Consultant 
• 2001 - 2004: Visual Arts Assessor with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, Project StartID (Statewide Arts Talent Identification Project) identifying gifted children in the region. 
• 2001: Founded Eye of the Artists Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization to promote arts education and outreach. 
• 2000 - 2001: City of Cincinnati Individual Artist Grant, Project Support, What's the Word? 
• 2000: Created What's the Word? READ poster, featuring the art of Annie Ruth. 
• 2000: Sister poster and project to promote diversity and unity of women, featuring women from Greater Cincinnati 
• 1999: Appointed as Ohio Arts Council, At-risk youth arts consultant. 
• 1998 - 2002: Consultant and Touring artist/facilitator with Playhouse in the Park 
• 1998 - 2002: Consultant and artist/facilitator Association for the Advancement of Arts Education. 
• 1997: Alzheimer’s Association, Memories in the MakingTM Arts Program, Artist Facilitator 
• 1997: Applause Magazine, Created inspirational column, Eye of the Artists, featuring art and poetry to commemorate Black History Month, Cincinnati, OH. 
• 1996: Introduced a new line of signature greeting cards, The Annie Ruth Series 
• 1996: Praying in the Spirit featured on the cover of NIP Magazine, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1995: Developed Positive Self-Image Poster Series to deter the use of derogatory words amongst urban youths 
• 1991: Initiated Self-esteem/arts project at Job Corps to encourage positive self-development 
• 1998 - 1999: City of Cincinnati Individual Artist Grant, Project Support, ArtsFocus

VISUAL ART PROJECTS & MAJOR COMMISSIONS 

• 2020: Black Art Speaks, Designed and painted the letter "R" for Black Lives Matter Mural in front of Cincinnati City Hall.
• 2014: University of Cincinnati, TUC, Curator, Dada Rafiki: Sisters of Legacy, Exhibit & Community programming for Women's History Month with Women's Center, Cincinnati, OH 
• 2014: Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy-Armleder Campus, School-wide mural, Artist-in- Residence, Seven Golden Candles: Lighting the World, creating a 176 –piece whole-school mosaic w/students Pre-K - Grade 8 
• 2012:Fifth Third Bank, People of Courage Award, Original Painting, Entwined in Love 
• 2010 Fifth Third Bank, Profiles in Courage Award, Original Painting, Shaping the Dream 
• 2009: Fifth Third Bank, Profiles in Courage Award, Original Painting, Woven in Excellence 
• 2008: Fifth Third Bank, Profiles in Courage Award, Original Painting, I am the Change 
• 2007: Harmony Project (16) originals, Dada Means Sister, children’s book on sisterhood & diversity 
• 2007: Fifth Third Bank, Original painting, Purposed for Greatness 
• 2006: Fifth Third Bank, Original painting, The Overflow 
• 2005: Girls Rock! Celebration, official poster art for girls!CAN 
• 2005: Cincinnati Public Schools Supplier Diversity Calendar, Coloring Our World. 
• 2005: Fifth Third Bank, Profiles in Courage Award, Original Painting, Seven Golden Candles 
• 2004: Presbyterian Foundation, Jeffersonville, IN mural-sized painting, Giving Light to the World 
• 2004: Reading for Life, Inc. (19) original paintings, which are used for When My Mama Reads to Me, a freely distributed children's book for selected Head Start, Schools and Child Literacy programs. 
• 2004: Fifth Third Bank, Profiles in Courage Award, Original Painting, A Rainbow of Strength 
• 2003: Black Book Fair, Higher Learning, Cincinnati, OH official poster art 
• 2003: Central Clinic – University of Cincinnati, (4) Mural-sized paintings-- Calabash Sounds, Color My World, Champion's Dance, and Windows of Opportunity Open with Knowledge. 
• 2003: Urban League of Cincinnati, Achievement Matters, Official Education Summit Poster design 
• 2003: Fifth Third Bank, Profile in Courage Award, Original Painting, Empowered by Love 
• 2002: Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, Heart of a Brother, original painting commissioned for Actor Malik Yoba, Educational Youth Summit 
• 2002: Fifth Third Bank, Profiles in Courage Award, Original Painting 
• 2001: Grassroots Leadership Academy, Blades of Grass (original art) 
• 2001: Mid-Western Black Family Reunion, Commissioned art, Family of Stars, prints used as sponsorship award for sponsors and volunteers. 
• 2001: ProKids, Cincinnati, OH, Created (2) commissioned original paintings and commemorative art print, In My Hands, honoring 20th anniversary of the organization 
• 2000: Big Pig Gig, Girl Scout's, A Pigirl Scout's World, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1999-2000: Children’s for Children/Procter &Gamble, Cincinnati, OH, Commissioned for permanent installation of (35) original paintings. 
• 1999: Roselawn Community Council, Cincinnati, OH, I Dream a Community, Commissioned poster. 
• 1998: National Baptist Sunday School Convention, A Family that Prays, original art commission, Cincinnati, OH 

SELECTED INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITIONS 

• 2020: Cincinnati Museum Center, Museum of History & Science, On Her Shoulders solo exhibit
• 2006: Cincinnati Museum Center, John Ruthven Gallery, Lighting Candles: Embracing the Spirit of the Holiday Season 
• 2005: National Afro American Museum & Cultural Center, I Can Read, Wilberforce, OH 
• 2004: YWCA Women’s Art Gallery, When My Mama Reads to Me, Cincinnati, OH 
• 2004 Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, When My Mama Reads to Me 
• 2001: African American Museum at Union Terminal, What's the Word? The Power of Positive Art and Literature, exhibition, workshop & performance series, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1998: My Gift, Invitational exhibition of art and literature, African American Museum at Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH. 
• 1997/98: Spiritual Journey: The Ministry of Art, self-produced art and literature exhibition along with Michael Thompson, Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1996: “Sista”: Living in a Positive Self Image, Invitational Exhibition, FreeMan Art Gallery, Cincinnati, OH 

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS/PERFORMANCES 

• 2005 – 2020: Dada Rafiki cultural celebrations honoring women in the community. Collaborations with Cincinnati Arts Association (2016 – 2020) National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (2013), Cincinnati Musuem Center (2005 and 2010), Cincinnati Public Schools (2007- 2009), Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (2006) and Summit Center (2015) 
• 2009: Ohio Historical Society, Soul Exhibition, Columbus, Ohio, juried 
• 2004: Kennedy Height Arts Center, We Are Family, Cincinnati, OH, invitational 
• 2004: Roselawn Community Council, A is for Ahimsa, Non-violent community visual art project: (Artist consultant/artist) 
• 2004: Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, Reunion of Artists II- Exhibiting artist/designer/publisher of exhibition catalog 
• 1999: Arts Consortium, One Day My Soul Just Opened Up, Cincinnati, OH, Women’s Invitational 
• 1998: Mallory Center African American Historical Ball, Art for City Walls, Cincinnati, OH, Invitational 
• 1997: Junior League of Cincinnati, Art in the Garden, invitational, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1997: Fluid Illusions Gallery, invitational, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1996: Fifth Third Bank Art on the Square, Invitational 
• 1996: Good News Church, Colors Exhibition, Cincinnati, OH, Curator 
• 1996: Art in the Yard, Cincinnati, OH, Curator 
• 1996: African American Museum at Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH, Words of Art, invitational 
• 1996: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, invitational 
• 1996: Contemporary Arts Center/ARTWORKS – SCPA, invitational 
• 1995 Aronoff Center for the Arts, Grand Opening, Weston Art Gallery, Performance 
• 1994: Fifth Third Bank Art on the Square, Positive Black Images 
• 1994: Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, 18th Fine Arts Competitive, Cincinnati, OH, juried show 

  

PARTIAL LIST OF AWARDS AND HONORS 

• 2022: Rosa F. and Samuel B Sachs Fund Prize for distinguished contribution to the region through the arts.
• 2022: ArtsWave Truth & Reconciliation Artist Grant
• 2021: ArtsWave Truth & Reconciliation Artist Commission
• 2020: ArtsWave, The Power of Her Honoree, 200 Trailblazers in the Arts- Cincinnati, OH 
• 2020: Polly Magazine, Featured Artist Article 
• 2020: Hamilton County Commissioner’s Black History Honoree 
• 2020: Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Community Beautification Award 
• 2020: Martin Luther King Keep the Dream Alive Award, Church of the Resurrection 
• 2019: Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame, Aiken High School, Basketball 
• 2018: Phenomenal Woman Award 
• 2018: People of Color Wellness Alliance, Community Gem 
• 2018: Ohio Senate Commendation for Remarkable Attainment 
• 2017 O.E.S.- Elisha Chapter, Martha Award – for emulating renewed life & growth 
• 2016: Impact Christian Ministries, Heroes from the Hood 
• 2014: Good News COGIC, History Maker's, Community Activism Award 
• 2013 Ohio Senate Commendation, honoring Remarkable Attainment: Dada Rafiki: Sisters of Legacy Exhibit
• 2012: House of Favor COGIC, Phenomenal Woman Award 
• 2012 Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Temple, Woman of Influence Award 
• 2012 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Sigma Omega Chapter Community Anchor Award- Emerging Youth Leaders 
• 2011 Athena International Leadership Award, Cincinnati 
• 2011 NAACP (Cincinnati) Image Award for Innovative Educator/The Arts 
• 2010 U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Recognition for Dada Rafiki exhibit and outreach in the community 
• 2009: Project ArtReach, Inc., Art Pioneer Award 
• 2008: YMCA Black Achiever Award 
• 2008: SuccessGuide, Featured Artist Profile 
• 2007: Hamilton County/Cincinnati Community Action Agency, Bridge Builder Award 
• 2006: State of Ohio Senate Commendation Award, honoring Dada Rafiki art exhibit at Community Action Agency
• 2006 Woman of Distinction Award, Great Rivers Girls Scout Council 
• 2005: YWCA Career Woman of Achievement 
• 2005 & 2006: Featured profile in Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati 
• 2004: Cover story, Annie Ruth: On a Positive Note, Cincinnati Woman Magazine 
• 2004: Hamilton County/Cincinnati Community Action Agency, Bridge Builder Award 
• 2004: Sankofa Educational Enrichment Program, Kuumba (Creativity) Award 
• 2003: State of Ohio Senate Commendation Award, honoring art & community service 
• 2003: Taft Museum of Art Duncanson Artist in Residence 
• 2003: Named as Cincinnati's Best Arts Educator, CityBeat Newspaper 
• 2001: SESH Communications Nefertiti Award, Positive female community leader 
• 2001: Mallory Historical Association, Derek Walcott Exceptional Literary Art Award 
• 2000: United Way’s Project Blueprint Alumni Achievement Award for Leadership/Community Service 
• 2000: National Association of Colored Women's Club, Image Award 
• 2000: Sowell Award, Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, Visual Art 
• 2000: Leading Women, Inc., Arts & Entertainment Award 
• 1999: Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year 
• 1999: Cincinnati Post-Corbett Award, Literary Art, honoring work with students and mentoring writers 
• 1999: Applause Imagemaker Honoree for Arts and Entertainment 
• 1998: Featured artist/author, 8th Annual Black Book Fair, Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH 
• 1996: Applause Imagemaker Honoree for Arts and Communication 
• 1993: Sara Lee Corporation, Front-runner nominee for the Arts 
• 1992: Nominated for induction into Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame for Arts and Letters 
• 1991: Cincinnati Post-Corbett Award, Literary Arts, honoring the publication of 4 volumes of poetry
• 1989: United States Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Artistic Service 
• 1986: United States Air Force Achievement Medal, Outstanding Artistic support and leadership