Ruth Clide Proffitt: A Story of Portraits Series

A story of resilience, Ruth Clide Proffitt faced many adversaries her entire life. At the age of five, Proffitt’s mother passed away, causing Ruth to take on the responsibility of raising her siblings. Ruth would spend her life in Richmond, becoming a painter as a means of making money as well as a form of self-expression. Ruth settled in Oregon Hill which became a backdrop and focal point in many of her works. This family portrait paints the peaceful crowded, yet struggling life of the Proffitt family in their Oregon Hill home.

Learn more about Ruth Clide Proffitt in our current exhibition <em”>It’s All Relative: Richmond Families (1616-2016).

610 South First Street, Just Before They Left
mid-20 century
Ruth Clide Proffitt
Gift of Herbert Proffitt through Mr. Edward Coleman
V.85.45.01

Joey Fall
PR & Marketing Intern
The Valentine