Ruth Rippon is an acclaimed ceramists who grew up in Sacramento and taught in the Art Department at Sac State for 31 years, from 1957 to 1987. Ruth’s artistic production is extensive and transformative, as she helped shaped West Coast American ceramics into a contemporary art form. Ruth connected to many others through her personal warmth and she is held in high esteem by her former students. Her accomplishments as artist and teacher were recognized in 2008 by the California Arts Council with the “Artist of the Year” award. She received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from Sac State in 2018.
The Donald and Beverley Gerth Special Collections & University Archives recently acquired the papers of Ruth Rippon. The collection of approximately 4 linear feet documents her art, thinking, and teaching. The papers are rich in sketch books, diaries, journals, lectures, photographs of Ruth working (many in Sac State studios), correspondence, and much more.