Detroit Artist Page

Melinda Ruth Rushing is a visual artist primarily working in the printmaking and drawing mediums. During her undergraduate studies, Rushing completed a minor in studio art and in 2020, began pursuing an art career in Houston, Texas as she completed her doctoral studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

In 2021, after graduating with her PhD in Public Health, Rushing was recruited for a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan, which opened up the opportunity for her to relocate to Detroit, Michigan. Rushing decided to reside in Detroit while completing her postdoctoral fellowship so she could simultaneously pursue her research career and art career.

In August of 2022, Rushing joined a local Detroit art group called the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club. Since joining the group, she has grown as a printmaker under the mentorship of nationally recognized artist Rashaun Rucker and fine art print dealer Ed Ogul. Rushing’s piece Unsilenced was selected to be on display in the 2023 Gilda Snowden Scarab Club Group Exhibition juried by Rucker and the Hatch 17 Group Exhibition juried by painter and educator Nancy Mitchnick. Rushing was also selected to participate in the 2023 and 2024 Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) Monster Drawing Rally where she was commissioned to create original drawings for their annual fundraiser. Additionally, Rushing was commissioned to create a linoleum block print titled Candle Bearers for the California Nurses’ Association 120th Advocacy Art Show “Our Legacy of Advocacy” in October 2023, her piece Changing the Black Man’s Optics was accepted into the 2023 Atlanta Printmakers Biennial Exhibition juried by Miranda K. Metcalf, and she was invited to participate in the 2023 invitation-only Franklin Arts in the Village art fair. Recently, Rushing's work was added to the R. W. Norton Museum's permanent collection.

Rushing’s artistic practice focuses on creating narratives that condemn the objectification of women, debunk stereotypes of Black Americans, and encourage prosperity in the black community. Rushing believes art can heal, promote community, and transform lives. Therefore, Rushing is committed to using her talents to bring healing and life in every community she enters.

Logo Digitization Contributing Artists: Kevin Palmer and Joe Cazeno III