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Buena Vista University is proud to announce Ruth Shively as the 2025 Artist in Residence. A Nebraska native, Shively earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska and has dedicated over 30 years to refining her skills as a self-taught painter specializing in oil portraitures.
Now based in Portland, Ore., Shively’s work has been exhibited across the United States, from New York to California. Her art has been featured in prominent publications, including The Wall Street Journal, and in 2017, she was selected for an artist residency at Château Orquevaux in Champagne-Ardenne, France.
As BVU’s fifth Artist in Residence, Shively is honored to join a program that has welcomed talented creators from various disciplines, including game design, photography, history, and illustration. Established in 2021, the residency offers BVU a unique opportunity to engage with professional artists through mentorship and creative collaboration, fostering new perspectives in the arts.
Shively will be on campus from March 13-28, with a public gallery opening and reception on Tuesday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the BVU Art Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.
Eager to immerse herself in a new creative space, Shively looks forward to engaging with students and sharing her artistic journey. She encourages aspiring artists to trust their instincts and stay committed to their craft.
“When it comes to art, don’t compare yourself to others,” Shively advises. “Follow your heart, trust your gut, paint what speaks to you, and don’t let distractions hold you back. Keep putting yourself out there and keep creating.”
For more information on BVU’s Artist in Residence program and upcoming events, visit www.bvu.edu/events.
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