Pittsburgh Creative Corps Artist Directory

Guy Ruff III

Guy Ruff Portrait Artist

Primary Discipline

2-D art, including murals, mosaic, photography, etc.
Community Engagement and Social Justice
Site-specific and integrated art

Artistic Practice

Digital / photography
Murals
Painting / works on paper / printmaking

About the Artist

Guy Ruff IIIBased in the heart of Beaver Falls, I am a portrait artist dedicated to capturing the Greater Pittsburgh Region’s identity through classic photography, traditional fine art, and large scale murals. My creative practice is defined by a deeply customized multi stage process: every design begins with a personal photoshoot, ensuring that the resulting artwork is as unique as the individual or community it represents.

My traditional work, a delicate blend of graphite, watercolor, and ink, serves as the foundation for my public art. I follow a specific philosophy in my medium choice: graphite represents the permanent, unchanging aspects of our essence; watercolor captures the temporary nature of hair, clothing, and accessories; and ink merges these elements into a cohesive whole.

This studio work translates directly into my mural practice through a specialized permanent wheatpaste technique. By installing giant, embellished prints of my traditional pieces, I create a distinctive texture that transforms flat walls into tactile experiences.

Beyond the canvas, I am heavily invested in the local arts ecosystem as a leader within The Genesis Collective. My work is more than just an image; it is a commitment to my neighbors and the permanent stories we leave behind on the streets of our region.

Photo by Guy Ruff Portrait Artist

Web

Provides Fabrication Services to Other Artists

No

Teaching Artist

Yes, all ages

Joined the Directory

April 2026

Related

PROJECT

Pittsburgh Creative Corps

Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.

“I love to meet people where they are, and to find a way to create within the boundaries of the public realm.”

Guy Ruff III

Contact the Artist

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    Related

    PROJECT

    Pittsburgh Creative Corps

    Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.

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