Ruth Horsting

Ruth Horsting, also known as Ma Renu (née Ruth Carolyn Johnson; 1919–2000) was an American sculptor, professor, author, community organizer, philanthropist, and a student of Ashtanga Yoga. She is known for her bronze and steel sculptures, and taught at the University of California, Davis from 1959 to 1971. Horsting was the first female sculptor hired in the entire University of California system.

Horsting was the founder and former president of the Sri Ram Foundation, a co-founder of the Hanuman Fellowship, and the co-founder of the Mount Madonna Center located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, above Watsonville.

Early life and education She was born as Ruth Carolyn Johnson on January 18, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois. Horsting attended Northwestern University, where she earned a B.A. degree (1940) and an M.F.A. degree (1959).

In 1970, Horsting was given a teaching sabbatical and during this time she stayed at Sea Ranch, co-authored a book, and started a study of yoga. The following year in 1971, her eldest son William Francis Horsting died at age 26, which prompted her to retire from teaching and start a journey of reflection.

Art exhibitions 2016: Out Our Way, Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Museum of Art, at University of California, Davis, Davis, California 1964: The Bay Area Artists, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California 1964: Horsting with Bryan Wilson, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California 1962: Northern California Arts (NCA) annual show, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California

Awards 1959: Pauline Palmer prize, Art Institute of Chicago

Publications

As author

As editor