Cincinnati MacDowell Society
MacDowell makes a place in the world for artists, because art makes the world a better place.
John Aldrich Ruthven
,
Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of fellow MacDowell member,
Born November 12, 1924, John passed away on October 11th, 2020, at the age of 95
John was an internationally celebrated master wildlife artist, naturalist, author, and lecturer. He was awarded the National Medal of Art by President Bush in 2004. Often called the “20th Century Audubon,” Ruthven used many of the same techniques as the famed John James Audubon. From youth, Ruthven never doubted he would be an artist. “I continually took my sketch pad with me wherever I went.” In search of wildlife for his paintings, John climbed mountains and crossed streams in the Philippines, camped across Africa and trekked through Alaska.
Awarded the National Medal of Art by President Bush in 2004
John, with Martha, the Last Passenger Pigeon, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Martha’s death, and the extinction of the species. Ruthven’s three-story mural of his original painting of Martha is at the corner of Seventh and Vine streets. Ruthven climbed the scaffolding with student artists to create the tribute.
Maryanne E. McGowan, President Cincinnati MacDowell Society 2021 to 2023,
Welcome to the Cincinnati MacDowell Society, a special group of people with interest in the arts. From its beginning in 1913, our members have included creative and performing artists as well as those who love the diverse world of artistic expression. The programs given each year draw from the rich and varied resources of artistic talent found primarily in the greater Cincinnati region.
MacDowell makes a place in the world for artists, because art makes the world a better place.
To find out more, read our history and review our programs.
John Aldrich Ruthven
,
Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of fellow MacDowell member,
Born November 12, 1924, John passed away on October 11th, 2020, at the age of 95
John was an internationally celebrated master wildlife artist, naturalist, author, and lecturer. He was awarded the National Medal of Art by President Bush in 2004. Often called the “20th Century Audubon,” Ruthven used many of the same techniques as the famed John James Audubon. From youth, Ruthven never doubted he would be an artist. “I continually took my sketch pad with me wherever I went.” In search of wildlife for his paintings, John climbed mountains and crossed streams in the Philippines, camped across Africa and trekked through Alaska.
Awarded the National Medal of Art by President Bush in 2004
John, with Martha, the Last Passenger Pigeon, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Martha’s death, and the extinction of the species. Ruthven’s three-story mural of his original painting of Martha is at the corner of Seventh and Vine streets. Ruthven climbed the scaffolding with student artists to create the tribute.
Maryanne E. McGowan, President Cincinnati MacDowell Society 2021 to 2023,
Welcome to the Cincinnati MacDowell Society, a special group of people with interest in the arts. From its beginning in 1913, our members have included creative and performing artists as well as those who love the diverse world of artistic expression. The programs given each year draw from the rich and varied resources of artistic talent found primarily in the greater Cincinnati region.