Mary is an artist with a focus on natural subjects such as orchids and butterflies, and joyful expressions such as music. Her influences come from her Welsh roots, and being in museums and gardens in Europe. She also includes medical themes in her art and sculpture. She has spoken to numerous environmental groups on botanical and conservation themes. She taught Adult Art and Design classes at Miami-Dade College as well as private schools in Miami, FL for over eight years. She has taught non-credit Art at Pellissippi Community College in Knoxville, TN. Large outdoor sculpture projects such as ‘CowParade’ and ‘Flamingos in Paradise’ featured her handpainted 8′ tall and 5′ long Fiberglass sculptures. She has created large outdoor sculpture for Public Art projects throughout the country using metal which is hand engraved or painted. Galax, VA has a 6′ tall handpainted Fiddle to commemorate them as the Appalachian music capital. Her work is in two State Parks in FL. She is active in the Knoxville Arts Alliance and shows art throughout the state of TN and nearby states.
Contact Mary Ruden at rudenm@gmail.com
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
Introduction to Tennessee Native Plants and Their Uses
Mary Ruden (865)579-1162 rudenm@gmail.com
Lesson Plan:
As a botanical artist, the instructor will show examples of classical botanical illustration throughout the ages. Plants native to Tennessee such as medicinal plants, edible plants and ones used for natural dyes, tools, shelter, and for artistic purposes will be explored. For instance, Ginseng is one of the most important native wild plants in Tennessee. Baskets and fabrics were historically dyed with seeds, roots and berries from the wild. Native hardwoods make some of the finest hard tool handles, fine furniture, and structural beams. Illustrations by the artist and information plaques are available, as well as books on the subject and some examples of Cherokee baskets made with natural dyes.
This is a lecture and demonstration type of program but may include some raw materials for students to touch and interact with.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
LESSON PLAN for ART Classes: Mask Making with Found Objects
Instructor: Mary Ruden Email: rudenm@gmail.com (865)579-1162
Objective:
We will make masks with techniques of mixed media or collage, and possible found objects. The masks may be representative of some in history, such as suits of armor. They may be based on animal faces, butterflies, bugs, etc. Butterfly masks are especially popular with children. This class can be for all ages.
We begin the class with an overview of famous artists or sculptor’s works of art in the discipline that we are studying. We will see sculpture by Picasso, or old master still life paintings which include fruits and vegetables that make up a portrait of a face, for instance. Armor for knights is another example we may model the masks after. Our goal will be to create masks that are colorful and imaginative, out of paper plates, ribbon, pictures of fruits, vegetables, animals, everyday objects, etc.
The instructor will work with each student to guide them into making a piece of art in any style and genre they choose: animals, butterflies, bugs, birds, vegetables, etc. The instructor provides examples that can be used to copy from that are generic, copyright –free, and instructs how to cut out and collage images and use ribbon, buttons, etc. for their work of art. We will need paper plates, scissors, glue, tape, colored paper, Xerox copies of armor helmets, bugs, butterflies, etc. that are royalty-free. Some buttons, ribbons, and any other small objects may be used. The masks may be worn, or displayed on a wall. This is a fun workshop!
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Appreciation
Program Description:
CONTENT OUTLINE for ART Classes: Pastels
Instructor: Mary Ruden Email: rudenm@gmail.com (865)579-1162
Outline:
We begin the class with an overview of famous artists or Great Master works of art in the discipline that we are studying: pastel drawing. We will use this as a model to aspire to, or a genre to work within, such as portraits, or landscapes. We will view great master Edgar Degas’ portraits, for instance. The instructor will choose a scene to present: a girl in a hat, a woman and child, etc. The class will see what it takes to create a piece by drawing, composing, shading and finishing such a piece. Some hands -on participation can be done such as each student making a few marks or shading an object on paper.
Each class has studio time in which the student will use art materials to create a work of art. For Pastels class, students will draw onto paper with the pastels. The instructor demonstrates the techniques needed to complete a work of art, and will bring in several examples of finished and unfinished art to display and teach from. The instructor will work with each student to guide them into making a piece of art in any style and genre they choose: landscape, portrait, abstract, etc. The instructor provides examples that can be used to copy from that are generic, or copyright –free. Students are instructed how to enlarge and prepare their own personal images for their work of art. By tracing their photos, or using an overhead projector, their own images can be enlarged and ready to draw. We will use a generic starter kit of pastels, and basic pastel paper, pencil and eraser.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
