In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, “Untitled Stories” by Helene Ruiz is an exhibition of 14 acrylic on canvas paintings by a woman shaped by her city, her history, and her belief in justice, equity, and the power of giving back.
Please join us First Friday March 6, 2026 for our Opening Reception from 6-9pm. Meet our featured artist Helene Ruiz and talk with her about her exhibition and artwork. Enjoy mingling with some of are resident gallery artists and seeing some of their artwork available for purchase, shop our boutique gallery shop of local makers, handmade jewelry, books and more. Doors open at 4pm for Preview and early shopping. Reception with complimentary light refreshments and cake to celebrate our 29 years at 208 W. Broad St starts at 6pm.
Closing Reception April 3, 2026 from 6-9pm.
Artist Statement
When I was offered this solo exhibition during Women’s History Month at anne’s Visual Art Studio gallery, my first thought was: Which works should I choose? So many to choose from, so many themes that matter to me. After creating hundreds of artworks over the years—and with time reminding me that my body doesn’t always keep up with how young my mind feels (if only I could turn back the hands of time!)—I had to stop and ask myself, What truly defines me as an artist… and as a woman? What matters most?
For me, it’s emotion, compassion, understanding, tolerance, acceptance, justice, human and animal rights, and yes, even the state of “politRics.” Pretty much anything that stirs my heart or spirit can inspire a painting. These are also the same forces that have carried me, challenged me, and shaped me as a woman navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for our voices.
In that sense, this exhibition aligns naturally with Women’s History Month. Women have always rebuilt, reimagined, and persisted—and I see my own journey, struggles, and resilience reflected in that ongoing story. Through it all, my NYC roots stay at the center. Being born and raised in NYC is what has shaped me. It is how I see, act and react, live, think, feel, and create. Those roots run deep with experience, grit, rhythm, and soul. They are also the roots that taught me strength, generosity, and community values.
So, at the heart of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #GiveToGain, which celebrates uplifting one another so we can all rise, this exhibition is a mix of a little of this, a little of that, and a whole lot of New York City, filtered through the lens of a woman shaped by her city, her history, and her belief in justice, equity, and the power of giving back.
Biography
Helene Ruiz is a NYC-born and raised artist whose work reflects the rhythm, resilience, and the raw emotion of life. A storyteller through her art, she channels themes of justice, compassion, and human connection into her art. Her creations often explore social and political realities while celebrating strength, survival, and truth.
In her Bronx NY apartment back in 2008, she founded The Urban Individualists, an international multimedia artists collective devoted to creative freedom and cultural exchange. Wherever her journey takes her, Helene carries the soul of New York City in just about every brushstroke.
IMAGE: Phillipus by Helene Ruiz, (above) 12” x 12” acrylic on canvas.
“From here, a Queen rules the Amazons, the greatest warriors, the greatest nation in all of history. But….she does NOT, despite all her hallowed power and duty, ever rule Diana. ” — Phillipus
annes Visual Art Studio gallery
208 West Broad Street / RVA / 23220
Anne’S Visual Art Studio gallery cordially invites You to “Untitled Stories” by Helene Ruiz
on display in our Main Gallery from February 25 - April 18, 2026.
Gallery Hours:
Wednesdays - Saturdays 12-5pm,
by reply, Curbside, RVA Delivery
First Fridays 4-9pm and
by Appointment (804) 644-1368
Online 24/7, 365
