Museums and More: Ruth B Kerr

Hello, I am a professional circus artist of 20 years, I have performed at venues such as: The Barbican, Stockholm Opera House, and Milan Fashion Week. However now tired, I am currently writing a book exploring the history and culture of fairgrounds, with a focus on celebrating the rich heritage of Hampshire’s Showmen and Romany Gypsies – to challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater understanding. I am interested in running workshops with the Travelling communities, both to honour their rich heritage and to engage those who wish to learn more about these vibrant cultures. I have skills in: Storytelling/giving talks on my heritage & circus Producing Circus and performing arts Costume making / Sewing Mentoring Education (non-formal)

I am a painter and art educator living in Yateley, Hampshire. As a painter, I have exhibited in Hampshire, Reading, Margate, London and Edinburgh, including Women’s Society of Artists and ING Discerning Eye. Mostly working in oils, but also watercolour, pencil and printmaking, my paintings are about challenging stereotypes in representation of socially disadvantaged groups, and very often about motherhood. I teach painting and drawing regularly to small groups and one-to-one. I love to give people confidence to explore different mediums as well as their own creativity.  

I am an artist living on the edge of The New Forest. I use folklore, folksong, old customs, games and rituals to explore contemporary issues particularly social and economic disparity. Country living can be a strange mix of bounty and hopelessness but when people have access to their own strong and sinuous roots, their own history and stories they have anchorage and hope. I seek the stories that connect us and as an artist I’m thinking of different ways of pinning them up on the metaphorical village hall notice board for all to see. Alongside my own practice I run drawing workshops as The Village Hall Draw and community workshops around the New Forest working with Culture in Common and Hampshire Cultural Heritage amongst others.