Ruth M. Barnes

Ruth M. Barnes is documented primarily for their contributions to the Index of American Design (IAD), a major Federal Art Project initiative active during the mid-1930s. The artist’s known activity spans a brief period, specifically 1935 through 1936, focusing on the meticulous documentation and illustration of American folk and decorative arts.

Fifteen works attributed to Barnes are associated with the IAD, establishing their role as a documentarian focused on traditional material culture. This work provides high-quality, illustrative records of historical textile and craft objects. Representative studies represented in collections include the illustrations Coverlet Detail, Hooked Rug, Applique Quilt, and the record of the functional textile item, Needle Book.

These historically significant records are preserved in major American institutions, establishing the museum-quality of the documentation. Barnes’s work for the Index of American Design is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the nature and age of the Federal Art Project records, much of this detailed artwork now resides in the public domain and is utilized widely as source material for downloadable artwork and reference.