Mary Ruden: 67th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Artist-of-the-Year

April 13, 2017

The 67th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage’s Featured Artist, Mary Ruden, is being honored with a solo exhibition in the Geoffrey A. Wolpert Gallery. The exhibit showcases Ruden’s sculptures, prints and drawings depicting natural subjects such as orchids, wildflowers and butterflies. Her work is inspired by her Welsh roots and her travels to Europe. Her pastel drawing, Wildflowers, is featured on the 2017 cover of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage brochure and their T-shirt. The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual five-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offering professionally guided programs which explore the region’s rich wildflowers, wildlife, ecology, culture, and natural history through walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars.

Mary Ruden, sculptor and mixed-media artist, creates outdoor and collectible art. She received her BFA from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and has taught art and design classes for over eight years. Her work is displayed in two state parks, various government buildings and at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. to honor the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. Mary is an active member of the Knoxville Arts and Culture Alliance and exhibits her work throughout the southeastern United States. For more information about Mary and her work, visit: www.maryruden.com

The exhibition is on display in the Geoffrey A. Wolpert Gallery from April 12th – May 19th, 2017.
Gallery Hours: M-F, 9am – 5pm, and Sat 10am – 4pm

Featured image: Wildflowers, Mary Ruden, Pastel on paper, 2016, 20″ x 25″