My inspiration as an artist is deeply rooted in the healing power of creativity. Creating art is one of the few activities (along with being in nature) that allows me to appreciate the present. Living with complex PTSD and other mental health conditions, I've discovered that art and nature allow me to stay grounded and present. My work addresses kindness and self-compassion. I hope to continue the conversation surrounding the healing capabilities of art.

I have always had a passion for art. I took my first "art" class in high school--photography. I enjoyed taking art--both 2D & 3D--and art history classes where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Metals) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I combined my love for art with my love for web technology and received my Masters in Instructional Technology Systems at Depaul University in Chicago, Illinois.

I enjoy spending time with my two boys outdoors and in nature. We are avid visitors to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.

I love using a variety of mediums in my work especially prismacolors pencils, sharpie and my own photography for collage. I enjoy these mediums because of the opportunity to incorporate a lot of color and texture in my artwork.

Selected Workshops

"Artist Spotlight: Gratitude Journaling with Ruth Hong" (June 2024) at the White Oak District Library, Crest Hill branch, Crest Hill, Illinois.

"Artist Spotlight: Coloring and Still Life with Ruth Hong" (June 2024) at the White Oak District Library, Romeoville branch, Romeoville, Illinois

"Cultivating Gratitude with Tea and Journaling" (February 2024) at Nature's Best Cafe, Naperville, Illinois

"Artist Spotlight: Gratitude Journaling with Ruth Hong" (November 2023) at the White Oak District Library, Romeoville branch, Romeoville, Illinois.

"Gratitude Journaling with Ruth Hong" (June 2023) at the West Chicago City Museum, West Chicago, Illinois.