Owings Mills-born art collector Richart Ruddie finds Maryland lacking in art lovers

Art plays a vital role in our lives, and it can subconsciously affect us even though we may not realize it. For art collector Richart Ruddie says it’s left an indelible mark on our emotions, thoughts, and perspectives. Art has the power to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. When we encounter art, we engage in a form of communication that transcends language and cultural barriers. It speaks to our souls, provoking introspection, and dialogue. Through art, we gain access to different epochs, cultures and experiences, expanding our horizons and fostering empathy.

Whether it be famous paintings portrayed in textbooks back in Franklin Elementary, a giant guitar gracing the top of the Hard Rock at the Power Plant, or Babe’s Dream with the baseball glove infamously on the wrong hand outside of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, downtown Baltimore and Maryland have a few subtle art representations that left a lasting impact on Ruddie, an up-and-coming collector originally from Owings Mills, Maryland.

In elementary school, the stories and illustrations in books introduced Ruddie to creativity and imagination, igniting in him a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression. While he couldn’t draw very well, he was fascinated with the creative minds behind the captivating artwork he saw  nearby during school trips to Washington D.C.

Art plays a vital role in our lives^{Image provided by Richart Ruddie}

Ruddie wishes that Baltimore would add more public artwork displays. He feels that public art in cities like Baltimore enriches our daily lives and those around us, and it infuses our surroundings with beauty and meaning. These sculptures, murals and installations become a shared cultural heritage, prompting conversations and uniting communities.

Art serves as a reflection of our societal values, challenges the status quo, and encourages critical thinking, Ruddie says. He believes it acts as a mirror to our collective conscience and the biggest art event “Art Scape” lacks a great art scene especially when you compare it to events like Art Basel in Miami or Frieze in New York.

In Baltimore, public art can convey a sense of identity, commemorating historical events or celebrating the diversity of its people. By witnessing such art, individuals should be inspired to become active participants in shaping their communities and advocating for positive change. Thus, art’s influence extends far beyond aesthetics; it stimulates our minds, stirs our emotions and encourages us to explore the depths of human experience. Ultimately, art leaves an indelible mark on our lives, serving as a testament to our creativity, resilience, and capacity to connect with one another across time and space yet the amount of known art collectors is still slim.

^{Image provided by Richart Ruddie}

When you think of premier properties and opportunities in Maryland, Baltimore isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Ruddie, a serial entrepreneur from Owings Mills, Maryland who recently had a successful exit with his digital marketing agency, says that despite Maryland being a rather “cold” business environment, there are always great opportunities for young, hungry entrepreneurs who he hopes will bring a greater set of collectors to his hometown.

Ruddie has made headlines for helping the rich and famous of Hollywood and was featured in LA Magazine for his work in the Brand Defense and Personal Data Protection industry. His newest venture is working on privacy matters and helping to ensure that those who have potential compliance and data issues can fix them with a suite of tools that he’s developing with a team of software developers, attorneys and privacy experts. “If all goes well, there’s a lot of art that would be a great addition to my collection, but there’s a big difference when you go from high-end prints to high-end originals,” Ruddie said during a recent interview.

Ruddie’s advice for future entrepreneurs who want to create their own “annuity” and lottery ticket is to focus on an idea that has merit, work hard and dedicate your life to it while ignoring the noise and distractions that won’t bring you peace and prosperity.

After COVID-19 ran rampant in Maryland, and as many high-net-worth residents and business owners became tired of cold weather, high taxes and state leadership, Ruddie migrated south to Florida. He believes a trend of traveling down Interstate 95 to places like South Carolina and Florida to work and come back to visit Maryland will become the norm.

Ruddie still maintains a home in Baltimore that has sentimental art from his grandmother. In his office just outside of the Maryland border, the art aficionado has a beautiful painting that hangs over his desk. People often look at it and wonder if it’s a painting or a photo. When you look at it up close and see the charcoal, it makes a lasting impact the way art should.

^{Image provided by Richart Ruddie}