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Meet the artist

Ruthie Messer Wolkey

  Welcome! I'm an acrylic artist from Kansas City specializing in cityscapes and landscapes, with a heart for cherished traditions.

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Photograph of the StudioArt211 studio.

I learned to paint from my father, Glenn E Messer, a professional artist. Together, we participated and sold our paintings in more than 75 art fairs and exhibitions throughout Kansas City and were members of the Greater Kansas City Art Association. I attended Northwest Missouri State University where my Art major expanded my knowledge of art history, and furthered my skills in calligraphy and design. A 35-year career in the travel industry gave me the opportunity to travel the world. My travels gave me a deep appreciation for fine art. I continue to be inspired by the many art galleries I was able to tour in my travels and the photographs that I took of cities, beaches and landscapes all over the world.

 

My work is primarily in the acrylic medium with a focus on city scenes and landscapes. My signature touch is to end a painting with a bird flying in the sky. In 1970 my dad and I began hand painting Christmas, a tradition I’ve continued for 50 plus years. Over 100 friends and family members continue to look forward to receiving their hand-painted original card.

 

In 2022 I participated in Kansas City’s first Parade of Hearts charity event. Over 140 artists were selected to paint a 5’x5’ three-dimensional fiberglass heart. The hearts were placed around the city for people to find and enjoy then later auctioned off for charity. My heart was located at the Truman Presidential Library and at auction sold for $9,000.

 

I am married and currently reside in Kansas City. I enjoy not only painting but also gardening, photography and golf. In 2010 our home was featured in the Briarcliff Garden Tour. I’m a dedicated Chiefs, and Royals fan (but then again, who isn’t?).

Mentored by my father, Glenn E. Messer, a distinguished professional artist, my journey in the art world began at a young age. We co-exhibited our work in over 75 art fairs and exhibitions throughout Kansas City and were active members of the Greater Kansas City Art Association.

 

My academic years were spent at Northwest Missouri State University, where my major in Art allowed me to delve deeper into art history and refine my skills in calligraphy and design. Following my education, I embarked on a 35-year-long career in the travel industry, a journey that spanned the globe and fed my love for fine art. Experiencing diverse cultures, visiting renowned art galleries, and photographing breathtaking cityscapes, beaches, and landscapes around the world, has been a continuous source of inspiration.

 

I primarily work with acrylics, specializing in city scenes and landscapes. My signature touch is to end a painting with a bird flying in the sky. My dad and I also established a cherished tradition back in 1970 of hand-painting Christmas cards. I've carried on this tradition for over five decades, creating joy for more than 100 friends and family members who eagerly anticipate their annual hand-painted card.

In 2022, I had the honor of participating in Kansas City's inaugural Parade of Hearts charity event. Chosen alongside over 140 artists, I painted a 5'x5' three-dimensional fiberglass heart, later auctioned for charity. My heart found its temporary home at the Truman Presidential Library and was auctioned for $9,000.

In 2024, I was selected to participate in the Parade of Hearts for a second time.  The focus for this heart was celebrating Kansas City’s jazz and blues music. Like in previous years all hearts are auctioned off providing grants to organizations who help those affected by the events of the last few years.

Currently, I live in Kansas City with my husband, where I continue to pursue my passion for painting. However, my interests aren't confined to the canvas; I enjoy gardening, photography, and golf. In 2010, our home was proudly featured in the Briarcliff Garden Tour. True to my roots, I am a dedicated fan of the Chiefs and Royals—like any self-respecting Kansas City resident!

Mentored by my father, Glenn E. Messer, a distinguished professional artist, my journey in the art world began at a young age. We co-exhibited our work in over 75 art fairs and exhibitions throughout Kansas City and were active members of the Greater Kansas City Art Association.

 

My academic years were spent at Northwest Missouri State University, where my major in Art allowed me to delve deeper into art history and refine my skills in calligraphy and design. Following my education, I embarked on a 35-year-long career in the travel industry, a journey that spanned the globe and fed my love for fine art. Experiencing diverse cultures, visiting renowned art galleries, and photographing breathtaking cityscapes, beaches, and landscapes around the world, has been a continuous source of inspiration.

 

I primarily work with acrylics, specializing in city scenes and landscapes. My signature touch is to end a painting with a bird flying in the sky. My dad and I also established a cherished tradition back in 1970 of hand-painting Christmas cards. I've carried on this tradition for over five decades, creating joy for more than 100 friends and family members who eagerly anticipate their annual hand-painted card.

In 2022, I had the honor of participating in Kansas City's inaugural Parade of Hearts charity event. Chosen alongside over 140 artists, I painted a 5'x5' three-dimensional fiberglass heart, later auctioned for charity. My heart found its temporary home at the Truman Presidential Library and was auctioned for $9,000.

In 2024, I was selected to participate in the Parade of Hearts for a second time.  The focus for this heart was celebrating Kansas City’s jazz and blues music. Like in previous years all hearts are auctioned off providing grants to organizations who help those affected by the events of the last few years.

Currently, I live in Kansas City with my husband, where I continue to pursue my passion for painting. However, my interests aren't confined to the canvas; I enjoy gardening, photography, and golf. In 2010, our home was proudly featured in the Briarcliff Garden Tour. True to my roots, I am a dedicated fan of the Chiefs and Royals—like any self-respecting Kansas City resident!

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