Events
2025
Past Events
2022
Past Events
2023
Past Events
2024
2022 Events
September at Ferini, Pakefield, Suffolk.
“Underwater dreaming” was shown at the Ferini exhibition. This large collage is inspired by Ruth’s love of sea swimming.
August at Ballroom Arts, Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
July at 142 Gallery, Felixstowe, Suffolk.
July annual exhibition of the Inspired by Becker Art Society.
For 10 years a small group of East Anglian artists have curated an annual exhibition in celebration of the work of the artist Harry Becker.
After training in London and across Europe, Becker retreated with his family from London to Suffolk in 1913, to live in the same village where Ruth now lives. He worked en plein air, going out with the workers of the last years of pre-mechanised agriculture.
“Beach days”, a sunny large-format collage of hand painted tissue sold at the exhibition.
June
May at Pond Gallery, Snape Maltings, Suffolk.
February at The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral
2025 Events
Suffolk Open Studios 2025 Spring Exhibition
Location:
The Old Theatre in Framlingham, Suffolk
Dates:
29th May to 3rd June
Watch out for further news on her Instagram account: @ruthmccabeartist8420
Click image to enlarge
Collage on cradled board 60x80cm will be hung.
A piece marking the importance of coastal saltmarshes in controlling rising sea levels and storm surges. Unframed browser pieces and cards will also be available.
Ruth will be present in the Theatre between 1 and 4pm on Friday 30 May.
Click image to enlarge
“Incoming Tide”
As a Botany and Zoology undergraduate Ruth was made aware of the importance of coastal saltmarshes and their protective function in lowering the force of tidal surges.
Here In Southwold we are now very aware of the threat to these precious places, as we wait to hear of their fate (Lionlink).
Celebrating the rich diversity of plant and animal life our saltmarshes support, and their vital role, this collage on cradled board is made from hand painted, acid free papers and tissue.
Surface sealed with UV protective Sennelier matt acrylic glaze.
Click image to enlarge
Summer 25 Showcase
Location:
Holton Lodge Barn Gallery, The Street, Holton, IP19 8PN.
Dates:
Sat 7th to Sun 15th June
11 – 5pm Daily
Ruth will be showing new work in this exhibition in early June 2025.
Ruth is submitting four new collages (see ‘Work: Collage” on this site) and four watercolours celebrating the Suffolk coastal landscapes and sea swimming.
Watch out for further news on her Instagram account: @ruthmccabeartist8420
Click image to enlarge
February 2025 for 6 months
Now living only a mile or two inland from this delightful and peaceful space, Ruth benefitted very much throughout 2024 from The Canteen’s hospitality and welcoming staff, as she made a difficult way through some major life changes. The Canteen is a unique and beautiful cafe/restaurant. For Ruth it was a quiet place of solace and friendship.
She is therefore delighted to be invited for the latest project, The Studio, to share some of the work she has made over the years, which very much relates to the Suffolk coast and in particular to Blackshore, Southwold and the coastal marshes now under threat from ‘Lionlink’.
Not a gallery per se, and mindful that visitors may be seeing the work while attending other activities, Ruth has chosen her larger works for The Studio, providing notes on the inspiration for each work, and information about its particular location. Several of the pieces are informed by her understanding of climate change and the protective role of saltmarsh in coastal erosion. All of them are celebrations of coastal light and the straightforward working environments of harbours and boatyards which she has always loved.”
Ruth’s exhibition can be viewed at the Studio on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am-4:30pm.
For ongoing updates about The Studio and this event, please book mark https://www.oldhospitalhub.co.uk/the-studio
Or use Ruth’s Instagram handle: ruthmccabeartist8420
Abstract watercolour worked from sketches at Blackshore, Southwold Harbour.
A joyful composition taking pleasure in the wonderfully loose, scattered accumulation of seafaring vessels and associated objects that create the no-nonsense hardworking focus of the harbour, and somehow hint at the harsh conditions these vessels and crews must face.
Worked on Two Rivers Paper Company exquisite 700lb watercolour, deckle-edged, cold pressed, hand made paper, floated to show off its quality and fine edge.
Hazlewood Marsh
Ruth began working with ‘pure’ watercolour (as opposed to water based media like acrylic), in 2010, after painting for 10 years in oils.
She wanted from the start to find out how watercolour can be used in a more abstract style, and never sought to accurately depict particular places, but more to convey the emotional impact of a landscape in varying lights and weathers.
This unique piece shows the advanced stage of her use of translucent layers of washes, to build the composition and convey her experience of the day, the place and the atmosphere. She chose to find edges and lines in the composition via the drying edges of the wash rather than via drawing.
Discovering the marsh in 2018, Ruth’s old training in Botany was again revived in finding that the decision had been made to let nature take its course after the 2013 breach in the sea wall broke down the development of the marsh as a freshwater breeding ground for the Avocet. It was beginning to show the signs of species loss in the salt water, but the renewal of bird and plant life adapted to brackish and salt conditions.
The day she painted this was hot and sunny. The piece radiates colour and light.
(OIL)
The weight of timbers, the age and ‘standing power’ of the Blackshore huts, the gorgeous ultramarine, golden yellows and rich browns of this piece reflect Ruth’s love of the sea and all things associated.
Now resident in Reydon she is delighted to be within walking distance of all that this means. Things built to last. Things built well. Things built to withstand the power of the sea and storm forces. Things unconcerned with style and fashion. Things free. Things playful.
The depths which only oil paint can give is clear in this painting, its colours enhanced by soft surface sheen. Ruth uses texture when painting in oils, and in this piece, there are scraffito marks and abraded areas which echo the impact of the elements on these old stalwarts.
Another fine example of Ruth’s sensitive use of watercolour washes to create an abstract composition responding to the sense of wide open spaces on the Suffolk Coast. Light sweeps across this wide painting.
We could be standing on the bank at Hen Reed Beds watching the changing patterns and mood. Its a still day with nothing to disturb the quiet, sublime feel of this precious environment.
One of the galleries Ruth has produced work for over the years ran an urban themed exhibition, and this piece was one of her submissions. Visits to Lowestoft walking north of the wind turbine conjured a feeling of the deep industrialisation of this port, sadly undermined over the years, but possibly now with hope of revival?
An unusual for Ruth painting, using mixed media and a very free mark-making style. It was invigorating, risk taking and fun.
It has energy, power, and conveys determination that this coast can be rebuilt and return to thrive!
2024 Events
OCTOBER SOLO SHOW: “Then and now”
3 to 26 October “The George Farnham Gallery”, Saxmundham.
Almost half the 46 pieces chosen for this solo exhibition sold in the 3 weeks of the show.
Click the link below to see pieces which now, for a few weeks, can be bought from the gallery website.
https://thegeorgefarnhamgallery.uk/
Click to Enlarge
AUCTION of “Braving the Waves” collage 50x50cm
Online auction of items donated to raise funds for the RNLI in Southwold.
Ruth made this 50x50cm collage on board, framed in a white waxed wooden tray frame for the auction. It can be found online at
https://www.jumble-bee.co.uk/southwoldrnlimid-summerauction
Auction closes June 15, 2024
2023 Events
Studio ‘Winter Sale’
11am to 3pm. 2&3 December, Suffolk IP19 9DS
Two Suffolk artists join forces
Following her recent highly successful solo show in Saxmundham, Suffolk at https://thegeorgefarnhamgallery.uk/ Ruth will run a Winter Sale Event at her studio in Wenhaston, Suffolk (IP19 9DS). It will be an end of season ‘cull’, to make space for new work she plans to explore through the winter months. (Read about ‘Wintering’ in the next post on the “From the studio” page).
Ruth’s neighbour, Sally Erb, painter of the Suffolk landscape, will also be opening her studio for this event and it will be easy to pop in to see both artists and receive a warm welcome.
Ruth will also have unframed pieces, handmade cards which are unique miniatures, and a stock of printed cards made from the collage of wild swimming she donated to raise funds for SOUTHWOLD RNLI Lifeboat crew this summer, raising almost £400. Digital payment available.
It’s quite possible that on the day, you may find her working on some small collages inspired by the Suffolk coast.
Their work in oils, watercolour and contemporary collage is a response to the Suffolk landscape. Please see the flyer for addresses and contact numbers. Text or WhatsApp for more details.
Solo show October 3 – 21: ‘Shore Lines’
The Award winning Suffolk Gallery: “George Farnham Gallery”is hosting a solo show of Ruth’s work in October. https://thegeorgefarnhamgallery.uk/
The slideshow below offers a sample preview of some of the large and small pieces that will be presented.
Visit Aldeburgh Thursday 17th August to catch Ruth at the Lookout Open exhibition.
She’ll be there 11 until 4pm to welcome you. Each artist in this prestigious show curated by Caroline Wiseman, has one, small, affordable piece which can be taken away on the day of purchase.
Ruth has entered the watercolour below: “A quiet, untroubled development”. One of her pieces which plays both with the natural environment, and our own human states of mind.
Ruth is entering 3 pieces of work for this fund-raising exhibition in aid of Thorington Church, Suffolk.
The pretty Norman church of St Peter dates back to the 11th century, with a striking round tower of flint, and an aisle-less nave and chancel. The church is an important Grade 1 listed building. Given its architectural importance there is a constant need for maintenance. The churchyard is kept tidy by volunteers, and there is an abundance of wildflowers especially in spring. All are welcome here.
Raffle in aid of Southwold Lifeboat and crew…..
Ruth has made a 25cm square collage on board, called “A bit bouncy”. She is donating it to raise funds for the crew and lifeboat of Southwold, where she swims regularly and through the winter. Volunteers play a vital role in safety at sea, and have to undergo extensive training.
The Sole Bay Swimmers group that Ruth swims with are a great bunch of people. Bright hats and swim floats offer visibility in case the North Sea gets a bit more than ‘bouncy’. The collage is a fun, bright depiction of both the sea’s power and the fun of swimming as a group. She felt it important to include the lifeboat and crew in the scene, although of course, they would not actually sail this close to swimmers!
Tickets can be bought and the collage seen on August 5 in Southwold Lifeboat Station. Ruth will be there between 12 and 4, and the raffle drawn at 4pm.
Ruth’s painting selected for the Sir John Hurt Prize Competition, Holt Festival, Norfolk.
This competition is held every year within the Holt Festival (Norfolk, UK).
A contemporary abstract watercolour, this large piece is an example of Ruth’s work extending the boundaries of how watercolour is most often used. The piece explores how layering translucent washes of pigment can build a composition.
Anwen Hurt, the Festival director writes:
‘We’ve had bumper entries and the standard has been so high across the board that it’s given the shortlist judges a very tough job (not to mention a few headaches and arguments too). However, we now have a finalised shortlist of entries which you can see on our website by clicking here. The original works will be on view at Glandford Studios, Manor Farm Barns from Thursday 20th to Saturday 29th July. The winners will be announced by our judges Anne Desmet RA, Nicola Stratton Tyler, Dulcie Humphrey, Charlotte Fraser and Polly Binns on the evening of Sunday 23rd July. Full details on the website’.
Holton Lodge Barn
The Street, Holton, Nr Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8PN
Hilary Garner, artist owner, has curated work from 22 contemporary artists to launch her new venue. Ruth will attend the Private View on Friday 30 June from 5pm.
The barn itself is beautiful medieval structure, and now is filled with a vibrant collection of work. Its massive doors will open to a view of the grounds, and drinks to celebrate this exciting venture will be served on the terrace.
8 pieces of Ruth’s work have been selected. The slideshow here, presents 4 of these.
June in the studio.
Ruth will run three open weekends through June, as part of Suffolk Open Studios annual event. June 3. Use the contact form for further enquiries about the show.
May at Bell Gallery, Bungay.
Ruth is presenting 15 hung works in Bell Gallery’s “Spring Collection”show commencing May 2nd. She will been the gallery on May 2nd, and the afternoons of May 16 and 24. Use the contact form for further enquiries about the show.
https://www.thebellgallery.com/
Early April in Aldeburgh Ballroom Arts. April 5 to 11
As a member of Suffolk Open Studios Ruth’s work will be represented in the exhibition at Ballroom Arts, Aldeburgh. “Coastal light”, watercolour. Has been selected for the show. Unframed work and unique handmade cards will also be available. https://ballroomarts.org/
March-April at Merlina Art: Paint Works
Between March 30 to April 10 Ruth is one of 4 artists holding an exhibition at Merlina Arts in Suffolk:
Ruth will be presenting a range of her larger works in the show including this watercolour: ‘Water Falling’
Details on the poster.
MERLINA ART Earsham Heritage Mill Church Road, Earsham, Bungay NR35 2TQ.
March at Gallery East, Woodbridge. https://www.galleryeast.co.uk/
March 11 opening at 10am onwards Ruth has been invited to produce work for “The horizontal landscape’ at Gallery East, Woodbridge, Suffolk.