Born in Goochland County, Virginia, Ruth Clide Proffitt overcame tremendous hardship throughout her life. With no formal artistic training, she taught herself to paint and created works inspired by faith, family, beauty, and imagination.

In the 1950s, Ruth settled in Montpelier, Virginia, where she continued painting scenes of country life, holiday gatherings, elegant women, and religious subjects. Her artwork offered an escape from life's challenges and reflected her creativity and determination.

After Ruth's death in 1961, her paintings were preserved by her family. In 1983, Montpelier resident Ed Coleman, acting on behalf of Ruth's brother Herbert Proffitt, donated the collection to Virginia Commonwealth University's Anderson Gallery, helping ensure that her work would be preserved and shared with future generations.

Today, Ruth Proffitt is recognized as an important Virginia folk artist whose paintings continue to tell the story of resilience, imagination, and the enduring power of art.