Helene

Extraordinary Art Exhibit "This, That, and the Other" Sparks Profound Dialogue Between Past and Present

Black Iris Gallery 321 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, USA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Extraordinary Art Exhibit "This, That, and the Other" Sparks Profound Dialogue Between Past and Present

RVA's Black Iris Gallery Unveils Thought-Provoking Group Exhibition Curated by Helene Ruiz

Richmond, VA — We are thrilled to announce an eagerly anticipated exhibition, "This, That, and the Other," a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness of history and the contemporary world. Curated by the vision of Helene Ruiz, this remarkable group exhibition will debut on October 6th, 2023 from 6-9 at the Black Iris Gallery located at 321 W Broad St Richmond VA, coinciding with RVA's First Friday Artwalk. Featuring a diverse ensemble of artists including Helene Ruiz, Tahanie Medina, Naomi Cordova, Dorothy Rice, and Josue Fred with Improvisational Drumming by Silvano Ferrin and Luis Hidalgo. The exhibit promises an immersive experience that challenges the boundaries of conventional aesthetics.

Live Broadcast by Oasis Broadcasting Latin Jazz and Salsa Radio Show

You can watch live 10-6-2023 @ 5pm Eastern Time.  Link here: https://vimeo.com/event/3749237

Mark your calendars for the opening night on October 6th, from the hours of 7 to 8pm, as it offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the artists. The event will commence with an artist talk and an enlightening Q&A session, fostering an environment for visitors to delve into the artists' minds and gain deeper insights into their creative processes, this artist talk begins 7pm till 7:15pm, then from 7:15pm to 8pm, the evening will be enriched by captivating live poetry readings from Dorothy Rice, Joseph Coleman, and Kayla Bryson. The highlight of the night will be a reading by the acclaimed Karen Abercrombie, renowned for her multifaceted contributions to film, stage, and activism.

"This, That, and the Other" ingeniously weaves historical narratives with contemporary concerns, inviting viewers to confront discomfort and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through thought-provoking installations and narratives, the artists unearth hidden truths that challenge the status quo, catalyzing intellectual stimulation, empathy, and a profound understanding of our world.

Curator Helene Ruiz invites viewers to embrace this transformational journey, stating, "Together, let us forge a deeper understanding of our world, embracing the transformative power of art to incite change, awareness, and dialogue."

Originally conceived as a solo exhibition, "This, That, and the Other" evolved into a collaborative endeavor that aligns perfectly with Helene Ruiz's artistic vision. The exhibit features an extensive collection of her own work, complemented by contributions from fellow artists who address nuanced perspectives she might have missed.

Join us for this unforgettable exploration as "This, That, and the Other" promises an enduring impact on both mind and soul. The exhibition will be held the Black Iris Gallery, 321 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220 October 6th 2023 and thereafter by appointment only.     https://www.blackirissocialclub.com/

About Karen Abercrombie:

Karen Abercrombie is an award-winning actress, storyteller, activist, and environmentalist. With notable appearances in television shows like 'The Inspectors', 'Vampire Diaries', and impactful roles in films such as 'War Room' and 'Discarded Things', Karen's artistry transcends entertainment to create a positive impact on the world. As the founder of Earth Mother Entertainment, LLC, Karen continues to channel her creative gifts to influence meaningful change.https://karenabercrombie.com/

https://www.imdb.com/filmosearch/?sort=year&role=nm1620433

About the Curator: Helene Ruiz - A Lifelong Artistic Journey

Helene Ruiz, a native of New York City, has nurtured her artistic spirit since early childhood, fueled by a deep-rooted passion for drawing and painting. Encouraged by her father, an artist in his own right, she embarked on a lifelong journey of creative exploration. With a firm artistic foundation, Helene has shared her creations with audiences across national and international exhibitions. In October 2008, Helene Ruiz embarked on an ambitious endeavor, founding the Urban Individualists, a collective that brings together visual and performing artists from diverse backgrounds. At the helm of this multicultural, multimedia, and global network, Ms. Ruiz has dedicated herself to harmonizing unique talents into a harmonious whole. The Urban Individualists believe fervently in the potency of collective expression, melding their individual styles to craft a resonant artistic narrative. Helene's leadership has guided the curation and orchestration of a multitude of multimedia exhibitions, offering emerging artists a platform to showcase their artistry, bolster their portfolios, and garner recognition. Over time, Helene has garnered acclaim for her impactful contributions to the world of art. She received a grant from The Wheeler Foundation in 2007, and in 2009, the Salmagundi Foundation in Brooklyn, NY, acknowledged her talents with an artists' grant. The Disciples of Humanity recognized her remarkable contributions to culture, education, and art in 2011, acknowledging her efforts in enriching diverse communities. 

News Article for Event Artistic Narratives opening 5-10-24

Every Picture Tells a Story, Article Richmond Magazine for upcoming show on may10/artistic narratives

"Artistic Narratives : a Fusion of Visual and Performance Art

Pine Camp Cultural Art Center Gallery/ Theatre Richmond VA

The art showcase curated by Helene Ruiz, uncovers the captivating interplay between art and storytelling.
The exhibit features an assortment of visual works displayed in the gallery, coupled with a live performance in the theater
section on the date of the opening reception.

This exhibition endeavors to underscore the profound potential of visual art in conveying narratives and evoking emotions
with visual works by artists Helene Ruiz ( https://www.artmajeur.com/helene-9318937)
and Orisegun Bennett-Olomidun (https://m.facebook.com/Olomidun/) ,
by incorporating a blend of traditional and contemporary painting styles to showcase a spectrum of artistic techniques and expressions.

Art, like life, is a myriad of colors, strokes, and textures that paint a unique story for each observer. Within these walls, we encourage you to be
the storyteller, to weave your own narrative inspired by the brushstrokes and imagery before you. Investigate how visual art communicates stories,
emotions, and lived experiences. Explore artistic styles incorporating elements of storytelling through painting. Instead of seeking a defined meaning,
allow the artwork to stir emotions within you. Let the forms, colors, and shadows whisper to the canvas of your soul, revealing the nuances of your
inner world. Engage in dialogue with fellow visitors, embracing the beauty of diverse perspectives.
Here, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' interpretations—only the endless shades of your creativity merging with each artist's intent.

7pm - 7:30pm Live Performance:
Renowned actress Karen Abercrombie (https://karenabercrombie.com/) will captivate the audience with her theatrical storytelling performances
in the theater, accompanied by the background rhythms of live percussion played by Orisegun Bennett-Olomidun.


6-7 view art, 7-7:30 enjoy the live performances relevant to the art and then at 7:30 come back to re - view the art and see if your interpretations are influenced by the performance, do you now see more? Do you see a different view? Engage in dialogue with the performers, artists and the fellow visitors, embracing the beauty of diverse perspectives. Here, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' interpretations—only the endless shades of your imagination and
your own creativity merging with the artist's intent.

We welcome press, photography, documentation and publicizing of this event.

Feel free to post on your social media, forward to your friends, and invite others.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by responding to this email.

I would like to thank you in advance for being a part of this enriching artistic odyssey.

"Artistic Narratives : a Fusion of Visual and Performance Art
Formal reception Opens 6pm - 8pm
Pine Camp Cultural Art Center
4901 Old Brook Rd Richmond VA 23227
Opening Reception Friday, May 10th, 2024 from 6-8pm

Got Game? Art Exhibit

208 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, USA

Got Game?

anne's Visual Art Studio gallery Proudly Announces 
Got Game?: A Mixed Media Interactive Group Exhibition, 
Curated by Helene Ruiz will be on display
February 2 - April 12, 2024 with
Formal Opening Reception First Friday March 1 from 6-9PM.
Doors open 4PM. This event will be filmed by David James on TheOpening Night March 1, 2024.
(Sneak Preview of artwork First Friday February 2, 2024.)
Many Artists will be Available both nights for Interviews and Photography. More info below.
Free and Open to the Public 

208 W Broad ST Richmond VA / art district First Friday Artwalk
Mixed Media Interactive Group Exhibition Curated by Helene Ruiz
(Sneak Preview of artwork First Friday February 2, 2024 from 6-9PM.)

Formal Opening Reception First Friday March 1, 2024 from 6-9PM with Live Poetry Readings by Helene Ruiz, Dorothy Rice, Monica Hill, Kayla Bryson and Gloria Holwerda-Williams from 7-8pm and Improvisational Percussion performed by the multi-talented Mr. Orisegun Bennett-Olomidun.

This Event will be filmed on March 1st Opening Night by David James. 

Light Refreshments & Cash drinks.

Featuring visual artworks by Naomi Cordova, Robert Billings, Josue Fred, Amy Bryan, Keith Duncan, Gloria Holwerda-Williams, Dorothy Rice, Orisegun Bennett-Olomidun, Naomi Cordova, Tahanie Medina and Tanisha Medina, Helene Ruiz (curator) and Anne Hart Chay (gallery owner).

There are all kinds of games as we all know and they date back to the ancient humans. They are a part of all cultures as one of the oldest forms of human social interaction. They are expressions of play which allow people to go beyond imagination and physical activity. Games include the uncertainty of outcome, rules, competition, chance, goals and also personal enjoyment. Then there are the other types of games such as; the games people tend to play with one another that evade, deceive, or misinform (about something) in order to manipulate them or achieve some desired outcome. There are the games that people can play in order to cheat or deceive another and are dishonest about what they know or intend to do in order to gain an advantage. There are the games of the occult, some that claim to connect us to those that have crossed over and can relay messages between us and those who have passed. Some claim to be able use their game to help you find love, to get what you want or change the course of a foreseen or unforeseen possible outcome. Other games can claim to see future, past or present and intend to direct people in seeing what their future holds, in their decision making and/or to help confirm their intuitions. In this group exhibition we seek to explore the many forms of "games" in different aspects of their meaning or intent by using a variety of mediums and styles. Additionally, the exhibit will also explore the darker side of games such as game addictions, manipulation and the impact it has on society and individuals. So many Games! So who wants to play!?

Curator's Statement:
"My vision for this group art exhibit is to explore the various themes and inspirations behind games in all their forms, including board games, card games, mind games and more. Each artist will use their medium of choice to explore the concept of games and how they relate to our everyday lives. The exhibit will feature a diverse range of mediums, including painting, mixed media, and installations, as well as interactive elements such as playable games. Each artist will be encouraged to push the boundaries of their medium and explore new techniques and styles in order to create thought-provoking and impactful works. Some of the exhibiting artists have collaborated with one another in a game invented by the Surrealists in the 1900s called The Exquisite Corpse. The visual collaboration results will be on exhibit and the written collaborative game result will be read at the end of the poetry performances on March 1st formal opening. We will explain how this exquisite corpse game is played so all can understand the concept, the fun and the beauty of it. At the main reception on March 1st, the exhibit will also include interactive elements, such as game demonstrations and an exquisite corpse written game for the audience to be a part of that will be read once completed during the live poetry. This will further engage viewers and spark conversation. I want to ensure a balance of perspectives, and this exhibition will include both established and emerging artists. By featuring a range of artists, I hope to encourage a dialogue about the importance of games in art and culture and how it reflects on society and individuals.
Through this exhibit, I aim to showcase the power of games to inspire and connect people, and to inspire viewers to see the world through a new lens, and to find the game in their own lives." - Helene Ruiz

Helene Ruiz is an Artist, Activist and She brings her vision of "The Urban Individualists" to Got Game? on display February 2- April 12, 2024 at anne's Visual Art Studio gallery in the Richmond Arts District Historic RVA. Ruiz has exhibited and has been published internationally and nationally. Her artwork is in private collections throughout the U.S. Helene Ruiz currently resides in Richmond, VA.

Newspaper Article

Exhibition

Thank you to those who have liked and collected my works

Upcoming Events

Exhibition

C&G

C&G Artists Opening Reception Friday 6-9pm December 9th,2022
C & G  hosts an art exhibition in collaboration with The Urban Individualists Artists Collective
The imagery in this themed event will explore the ambiance of urban, suburban and rural life through paintings and recycled found objects and mixed media.
Meet the Artists on Friday December 9th, 2022 from 6pm-9pm at our opening reception C&G located at 9200 Stony Point Parkway Suite 114
CITY COUNTRY , COUNTRY CITY featuring art works by ; Josue Fred (paintings)Helene Ruiz (paintings) Robert Billings aka "Reuven" (featuring his "Dragonfly series" of mixed media and found objects that he has recycled into both functional and decorative 3d pieces of art)

Refreshments while supplies last.   

A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Sisters Network (http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/ ; Sisters Network® Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.)
Parking in the lot by PF Changs

Online exhibition Phoenix gallery

Phoenix Gallery, West 28th Street, NYC, NY, USA

https://www.phoenix-gallery.com/helene-ruiz.html

My latest painting : The Roaring 20s

home

Main Branch - Richmond Public Library, East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, USA

HOME

 https://www.richmond.com/news/local/hanover/mechanicsville-local/local-resident-brings-memories-of-nyc-to-life-through-her/article_cee71a7e-a7dc-11e9-8cdd-cfc30ae6661e.html 

a series of acrylic on canvas paintings by Helene Ruiz cr2019

Home is culture, objects, buildings you’ve lived in, friends, family, fun, games and even where your heart ached for the first time, where you fell in love and out of love for the first time, your first friend, your first fight, your first everything; where you laughed, cried, worried, and felt powerful and determined as well as where you first felt powerless and confused. It is a memory of double-dutch and that jump rope made out of anything you can find like old venetian blind cords or an old rope you found in the trash, it’s the stick and the ball, it’s hop scotch, it’s a game we called skullies where we used old soda caps to play, it’s the fire hydrant which was the urban public pool to cool off on   hot summer days, it’s the people peering from their windows watching over us, it’s the sound of the mister softee ice cream truck and its tune that made your mouth water for your favorite ice cream treat and it’s a reminder of how naturally we shared our ice cream with the other kids and they shared with us if any of us didn’t have a quarter.  The fire escape was where your mom put a small hibachi grill and we had a family “barbeque” and if it was a very hot day you can sit on the fire escape and get some fresh air and maybe even a cool breeze. 

Home, my home, NYC is a city of diversity, a city of many different people from all around the world all packed into a small space. It is where we all become one as we lived side by side. It is where we grew up together and respected each-others differences and where one another’s differences enhanced each of us as human beings with an ability to adapt to difference and embrace those differences. Home is where we remember being brought up.  Home is a huge part of what has molded us and remained in our spirit no matter where else we may have relocated. Home is where we feel a special connection to something. Home is like an old huge tree with large, long, thick and very deep roots. 

These paintings are done from my imagination and my memories of growing up in New York City, my home, always my home and although I have relocated many times, it remains the place where I can truly call “home”.  It is where my memories of being creative enough to participate on a daily basis with other kids in order to create a playground within a concrete and a very cluttered compact space. All this has been influential in my artistic creativity and in my imagination.  It is a part of what made the artist in me. It is both my most painful and most pleasurable of memories.  Whenever I visit home since gentrification, I yearn to see kids playing and people interacting like they did when I was growing up. I yearn to hear the New Yawk accent that I know so well and is so strongly imbedded in me and is just another part who I am and all this makes me realize that modern technology has replaced so much of human socializing, the imagination, the physical activities that I remember as a regular part of life.   This series of works are just a juxtaposed dreamlike portrayal of the paintings I have done from my memories and my imagination of growing up in NYC. I hope it can help to show the other side of what has always been a stereotypical portrayal of a dangerous and harsh city, and although that also is a reality, the memories of this side of life in NYC are also a reality. Everything has its Yin and Yang.

Press release/articles/interviews/etc

Masquerade: False Faces

47 west 119th street

Gala Artist Reception for False Faces on Saturday, October 31st



Masquerade: False Faces, October 31- Nov. 4, 2009, an exhibition and
event organized by The Urban Individualists, an international artists
collective.


Masquerade: False Faces, is a multimedia exhibition which includes masks
and other art works by artists responding to symbolic and concrete uses of
masks related to carnival, ceremonial, spiritual, and other societal
appearances of “masking”. The exhibition will examine the mask as a
wearable work of art, as a means of hiding or changing the identity of
a person, as a protective device, literal and metaphoric meanings of
“masking” in contemporary culture.

Historically, mask-makers have shown great resourcefulness in selecting
and combining a wide array of materials. Artists in this exhibition also incorporate
familiar and unexpected materials in their works.
FEATURED ARTISTS: Paul Deo ( New Orleans native, residing in NYC), Gary Dunn (Brooklyn, NY), Wahala Temi (raised in Nigeria, resides in staten island,NY), Mia Hernandez (Queens NY), Mariam Muradian (Seattle, Wash), Gloria Holwerda-Williams (NYC), Booker T. Williams (NYC), Miron Abromovici (Israeli native, residing in N.J.), Sarah Niebank-Hoffman (Columbus Indiana), Juancarlo Suazo (Puerto Rico native, residing in NYC), Helene Ruiz (Bronx NY), Jennifer Geiss aka Darkest Artist (Merrill, Wisconsin)

Live music performances by: Tara Thierry, Booker T. Williams, Silvano Ferrin
Background CD music composed and performed by William M. Alexander
Poetry/Spoken Word: Gloria, Mia Hernandez, Tara Thierry, Wahala Temi

Please join us at Casa Frela Gallery for the opening. The public is encouraged to attend the opening event “in-mask”.


Opening reception; “masked gathering”
Masquerade Ball / Exhibit
October 31st, 2009 7-11pm $10 suggested donation at door
Live Music and Poetry / Free Refreshments & Wine

(for those of you who would like to purchase masks at the event, a limited amount will be available for sale at the door)


Casa Frela Gallery is located at 47 West 119th Street (between Lenox
Avenue and Fifth Avenue) in Manhattan, New York.

For further information about the exhibition, or about Casa Frela Gallery, please visit our website at or call the gallery at 212-722-8577.

Exhibit runs thru November 4th, 2009

HARD HEARTS

THE WILLIAMSBURG MUSIC CTR 367 BEDFORD AVENUE

THE URBAN INDIVIDUALISTS
This artist collective was
born from the vision of Helene Ruiz
Presents;
"HARD HEARTS"
opening reception July 17th, 2009 7-10pm @ The Williamsburg Music
Center 367 Bedford Ave Brooklyn Ny 11211 718-384-1654 (see attachement)
Live MUSIC BY BOOKER T WILLIAMS, TARA THIERRY, SILVANO FERRIN AND THE
GERRY EASTMAN HOUSEBAND
POETRY/SPOKEN WORD BY, TARA THEIRRY, GLORIA, MIA HERNANDEZ, VALERIE KIRK
VISUAL ART BY: HELENE RUIZ, HELEN BASCOM, GLORIA HOLWERDA-WILLIAMS,
VALERIE KIRK, MARIAM MURADIAN, MIA HERNANDEZ,WAHALA TEMI
cash bar, wine, refreshments
free and open to public
____________________________________________________________________________


JOY, PAIN, AND ALL THINGS IN BETWEEN: THE URBAN INDIVIDUALISTS DISSECT THE MANY COMPLEXITIES OF THE HEART
Art Collective to Feature Live Music, Poetry, Spoken Word, and Visual Artwork


THE URBAN INDIVIDUALISTS, a collective of local and international artists, will debut its Hard Hearts art exhibit on July 17, 2009 at 7 PM at the Williamsburg Music Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibit chronicles The Urban Individualists’ diverse life narratives as translated in their colorful works. Paintings on display tackle the group’s many stories of triumph over tragedy, celebration of difference, and nuanced recollections of life’s marvelous ups and perilous downs. To complement their art, Hard Hearts will feature a collection of spoken words artists and live musical performances, including the dynamic sounds of percussionist Silvano Ferrin, Booker T. Williams on saxophone, and the soul tantalizing vocals of Tara Thierry and on strings.

The Urban Individualists is the brainchild of Helene Ruiz, a Bronx-based artist. Ruiz founded the collective. “It was my goal to assemble a group of visual and performing artists into a collective body. This group represents a multicultural network of collaborating individualists cohesively working as a unit. We have a voice that needs to be heard and a vision that needs to be seen,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz has worked feverishly to link her dream to the aspirations of others. The Urban Individualists believe that they can transform art as a collective body, separated only by their distinct styles and sounds.


For more information on the Williamsburg Music Center, contact or visit the center’s website: .

ECLECTIC URBANISM, SPACE, TIME AND RHYTHM

1118 LIGH STREET SUITE 202

THE INTERCULTURAL MUSEUM ART GALLERY

presents

"THE URBAN INDIVIDUALISTS"

This artist collective was
born from the vision of Helene Ruiz, an artist who resides
and works out of her apartment in the Bronx, NY. Her vision
is to assemble a group of artists, both visual and
performing, into a collective body.
This group represents a
multicultural network of collaborating individualists
cohesively working as a unit. Ms. Ruiz has worked long hours
to link her dream to the aspirations of others.
The Urban Individualists
believe that we can make an impact in art as a collective
body, separated only by our distinct styles. We have a voice
that needs to be heard and a vision that needs to be seen.


Presenting:
"ECLECTIC URBANISM, SPACE, TIME AND RHYTHM"
this exhibit contemplates apparent aspects of space, time
and rhythm as well as an "eclectic" and "urban" perspective
of the connections and disconnections between space, time
and rhythm.

Opening reception April 18, 2009 from 4:00PM - 8:00PM

IMAG
1118 LIGHT STREET SUITE 202
BALTIMORE, MD 21230

(443)691-4267 (410)234-8195 (410)448-2276



Featured artists: Paul Deo, Gary Dunn, Helen Bascom,
Kraig A. Blue, Keith Duncan, Billy Fleurima, Robert Daniels,
Helene Ruiz, Mariam Muradian, Booker T. Williams, Miron
Abramovici, Gloria Holwerda-Williams,Mia
Hernandez and Damien Venditti

** a special exhibit of an art collaboration
by the 6th grade students of M.S.88 in Brooklyn, NY;
"Awareness Brings change" **
Special Music Performance by Haiti's own, Mr. Billy Fleurima
** a short video by Miguelangel "Miky" Ruiz "El Vejigante-Luchador" **


This exhibit closes May 16th, 2009 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM

TRANSFORMATION....LIFE GOES ON

VA CULTURAL CTR SLANTWALL GALLERY

EVERDAY IS LIKE SUNDAY

HOSTOS COLLEGE/LONGWOOD GALLERIES 450 GRAND CONCOURSE