30 Jul You helped Ruthie start making art… at age 100!
^ Ruthie Weidenbaum (Coarc) shows off her latest painting, held by her tracker Stefanie Weber. Your support gives Ruthie an opportunity to share her creative spirit
CATA artist Ruthie wheels up to the canvas with a big smile. She just celebrated her 102nd birthday, and she’s ready to start a new painting!
With the help of a laser pointer and the aid of a trained “tracker”— a person who acts as the artist’s hands— Ruthie and dozens of other artists are able to create stunning works of art through Artistic Realization Technologies.
^ Ruthie uses a laser pointer to show Stefanie exactly where to move the brush on the canvas.
Developed by artist Tim Lefens, this innovative techniques gives full creative control to people with disabilities who are not able to hold or manipulate a paintbrush.
“A.R.T. offers a way for artists like Ruthie to communicate something that would otherwise go unsaid or unknown,” says Stefanie Weber, a CATA Faculty Artist who serves as Ruthie’s tracker.
After working with Stefanie for the past year, Ruthie has found a unique style that’s all her own.
^ Ruthie controls every aspect of the creative process, including the exact tint of the paint, as well as the size and orientation of the canvas.
“Do you want a big brush or a little brush?” asks Stefanie. She holds out a handful of brushes and Ruthie takes her time feeling each one. After she chooses, Ruthie uses a color wheel to show Stefanie exactly which shade she wants to use.
“How’s this?” Stefanie asks, mixing the paint together. Ruthie smiles, “Yeah!”
^ “A.R.T. offers a way for artists like Ruthie to communicate something that would otherwise go unsaid or unknown,” says CATA Faculty Artist Stefanie Weber.
With a laser pointer around her wrist, Ruthie shows Stefanie where to put the brush on the canvas. She moves the laser up and over, then into the corner, revealing a bright stroke of blue paint. Although she only started making art at age 100, she’s already finished twelve gorgeous painting— and sold three at CATA art exhibits!
Before workshops started up again this year, Ruthie “couldn’t wait to get back to work.” Thanks to your support, she’s celebrating her 102nd birthday with a fresh canvas and a big creative spark!
As a program requiring one-on-one support, A.R.T. is one of CATA’s most expensive to deliver. We rely on generous contributions from supporters like you to sustain this work. Make a donation today to keep Ruthie’s creativity flowing!