On Her Shoulders explores life lessons of courage, compassion, perseverance and shared responsibility through the vibrant artwork of Annie Ruth. Rooted in the experiences of Black women—who often carry the needs, hopes and challenges of their communities on their shoulders—the collection invites everyone to reflect on how we support one another, overcome obstacles and find strength in our stories. Begun in 2020 and first exhibited at Cincinnati Museum Center in July 2021, it has evolved into a traveling exhibit, a set of Arts Curriculum Connections cards and an interactive touring artist program available through the Cincinnati Arts Association. Through art, writing, music and storytelling, participants connect these lessons to their own lives and build understanding across generations and cultures.
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On Her Shoulders: From Exhibition to Education
On Her Shoulders is Annie Ruth’s celebration of the strength, humanity, struggles and triumphs of Black women. Begun in 2020 and developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning with racial injustice, the collection offered a way to process trauma, honor Black women’s experiences and encourage healing through art. Supported in part by ArtsWave’s Truth and Reconciliation grant, the exhibition debuted at Cincinnati Museum Center in July 2021. Its bold colors, expressive shapes and layered symbolism invited viewers across generations and cultures into meaningful conversations.
What began as an exhibition has evolved into a traveling exhibit and an educational resource that brings those conversations into classrooms and community settings. The On Her Shoulders Arts Curriculum Connections cards and accompanying guidebook turn the artwork into starting points for observation, critical thinking, creative writing and personal storytelling—helping participants connect what they see with their own experiences while appreciating the perspectives of others.
Today, Annie Ruth brings the collection to learners through On Her Shoulders – Multi-Arts Workshop, available through the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Artists on Tour program. Recommended for grades 6 through adulthood, the workshop connects visual art, creative writing, music and social-behavioral skills. Students receive a small art card set, and educators receive a full set with a printed guidebook, extending the experience beyond the artist’s visit.
On Her Shoulders is Annie Ruth’s celebration of the strength, humanity, struggles and triumphs of Black women. Begun in 2020 and developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning with racial injustice, the collection offered a way to process trauma, honor Black women’s experiences and encourage healing through art. Supported in part by ArtsWave’s Truth and Reconciliation grant, the exhibition debuted at Cincinnati Museum Center in July 2021. Its bold colors, expressive shapes and layered symbolism invited viewers across generations and cultures into meaningful conversations.
What began as an exhibition has evolved into a traveling exhibit and an educational resource that brings those conversations into classrooms and community settings. The On Her Shoulders Arts Curriculum Connections cards and accompanying guidebook turn the artwork into starting points for observation, critical thinking, creative writing and personal storytelling—helping participants connect what they see with their own experiences while appreciating the perspectives of others.
Today, Annie Ruth brings the collection to learners through On Her Shoulders – Multi-Arts Workshop, available through the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Artists on Tour program. Recommended for grades 6 through adulthood, the workshop connects visual art, creative writing, music and social-behavioral skills. Students receive a small art card set, and educators receive a full set with a printed guidebook, extending the experience beyond the artist’s visit.
