Ruth Nichols

Ruth, originally from south-eastern Idaho, holds an art degree from Ricks College (now BYU-I) and a BFA in graphic design from BYU-Provo. After a stint in the design industry and running her own freelance studio, she discovered her passion for teaching art.
Recognized for her excellence, she received the 2019-20 UAEA High School Teacher of the Year and the 2022 BYU David O McKay Teacher of the Year awards. Currently, Ruth teaches Foundations, Painting, Drawing, and AP at Tooele High School, where she strives to create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves through art.
In addition to teaching, Ruth is the owner of Red House Studio, Llc., a watercolor studio in her home. There, she produces award-winning watercolor paintings and takes on commission work.
Ruth emphasizes the importance of art as a means of sharing ideas and emotions that words may fail to convey. She sees teaching as a daily test and a source of fresh perspectives from her students. For Ruth, technical skills are tools to enhance communication through art, and fostering a supportive environment is crucial for students to express their inner selves through their artwork.