Ruth Koelewyn holds a BFA from Syracuse University and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Her work investigates the moments when distance, separation, and space are the necessary components for meaningful connection to others. By identifying those moments in everyday activities, such as looking out the window, her works aim to give the viewer new ways to use familiar experiences with intentionality toward the specific goal of new understanding and connection with the world. Her practice has included curatorial projects, collaborative projects, and her individual studio work. These practices have been supported by regional, national and international organizations such as the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Lackawanna County Department of Art and Culture, the Mondriaan Foundation, and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts among others.

Ruth has been invited to residencies in Poland at the Jazdów Rotacyjny Dom Kultury (2018) and Spain (2019) at Can Serrat International Artist Residency. There she connected with communities while engaging them in her process and made new work in the Skyshape series. Most recently she was named a ProjectArt ProjectArt Arts Education and Social Impact Resident in Detroit. Her work will be featured in the forthcoming New American Paintings issue #155 which is scheduled to be published in the beginning of 2022.