Solo Art Show - Ruth Williamson
Creating and Selling
March 15, 2025
When I began conceptualizing my upcoming art show, I was keenly aware of the themes and messages I hoped to convey. My work draws inspiration from the eternal cycles of creation and destruction in nature and the universe. This constant change, while often chaotic, holds an innate order and beauty. I seek to impart a sense of peace and calm to my audience, encouraging reflection on the mysteries of our ever-evolving yet eternal world. It is my belief that within this chaos, not only can order be found, but also a path for healing and stewardship of the wonders around us.
Balancing the commercial aspects of selling my art with maintaining my personal creative vision and artistic integrity is a nuanced challenge. Reflecting on my recent solo art show at Artrageous Art Hub, I am reminded that art exists within an industry that demands economic considerations. Selling six of my paintings on opening night reinforced my understanding that art is a significant contribution to culture, self-understanding, and communication. The commodification of art validates the artist’s ability to inspire and resonate with buyers, who in turn support the work through their purchases.
Interacting with fellow artists and friends during the opening night was an enriching experience. Their affirmations and appreciation of my work were profoundly encouraging. When someone chooses to purchase a piece, it's a testament to the personal stories and connections they find within the images. To me, a purchase signifies a tangible support for both myself and the gallery or art organizations hosting my work, and I am deeply grateful for that.
The hope for my art show is that visitors will leave with a renewed perspective on art, perhaps inspiring them personally. At the core of every exhibition lies the question, "what is art?" By participating in and supporting artists, galleries, and arts organizations, we breathe life and connection into our communities and local economies. This interactive environment fosters creativity and offers healing pathways amidst life’s chaos. Through creative expression, connections become more humane, strengthening the fabric of our social and cultural landscapes.
This continuous dialogue—between creator, art, and audience—fuels my passion for showcasing art. Feedback from viewers and my artistic peers enriches my perspective and fortifies my resolve to create work that not only expresses my vision but also contributes to broader cultural conversations. My goal is to inspire dialogue, reflection, and a sense of wonder in those who encounter my art.
Ruth Williamson
My Journey: Connecting, Creating, and Empowering
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at an engagement. While I felt a bit nervous, I was also thrilled to share my journey with a group of inspiring women who are creating meaningful change through cultural experiences.
When I reflect on my journey, I'm struck by how passion, creativity, and community have been the driving forces in my life. With over 19 years of experience in sales, recruitment, and marketing, I've always been driven by a fundamental desire to connect people and help them thrive.
My professional path has been anything but predictable. What started as a career in sales, medical recruitment, and marketing evolved into something much more meaningful—a mission to support and uplift my community in ways I never imagined. One of my proudest achievements has been organizing a car show fundraiser that has raised over $40,000 for local nonprofits over the past five years. (Except COVID year.) Each dollar raised represents hope, support, and tangible change for organizations making a real difference.
The pandemic was a turning point for me. Seeing small businesses struggling with visibility and connection, I launched the Hitting the Streets Podcast in 2019. What began as a local spotlight quickly transformed into a platform for sharing inspiring entrepreneurial stories. By interviewing business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders, I provided a lifeline of visibility during challenging times. Today, the podcast has over 11,000 plays, more than 200 episodes, and a five-star rating on Spotify—a testament to the power of storytelling and community support.
But I didn't stop there. I recognized a critical need for a creative sanctuary where artists could truly express themselves. This vision became the ARTrageous Art Hub—a space that started in a tiny 400-square-foot room and has now expanded to a vibrant 1,200-square-foot creative community. Here, artists, poets, creatives and musicians find not just a physical space, but a supportive environment to explore, create, and connect.
My own artistic journey has been equally transformative. As a photographer since the '90s, I never imagined I'd be entering judged art shows. In 2022, I took a leap of faith and submitted my first cell phone photography piece to the Visual Art Guild of Frisco call for art. The acceptance was exhilarating, and it sparked a new chapter. By 2023, I was honored to win second place and be named Emerging Artist of the Year—achievements that still feel surreal.
Recently, being nominated for a GLOWI award by the Denison Chamber was a humbling moment. Standing alongside incredible individuals who are also dedicated to supporting art and culture made me realize the collective impact we can have when we believe in our community.
Today, I continue to push boundaries—experimenting with acrylic pouring, painting, and digital photography. My art, like my journey, is bold, colorful, and always evolving. Whether through my podcast, the art hub, or my creative work, my mission remains the same: to connect, inspire, and create opportunities for others to shine.
This is more than a personal story—it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the extraordinary potential we all hold when we support one another.
Nichele Wells
Owner & Operator
Hitting the Streets Podcast
ARTrageous Art Hub