ISB Mourns the Loss of Visionary Artist Ginny Ruffner
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of renowned artist Ginny Ruffner earlier this year at 72. Ginny has long been an integral part of ISB’s community. Her vibrant artwork continues to bring life to our spaces, and her advocacy as a Foundation Board member leaves a lasting legacy.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of renowned artist Ginny Ruffner, who died at her Ballard home on January 20, 2025, at the age of 72.
Ginny was a beloved part of ISB’s community – an artist whose vibrant imagination transformed our spaces and a passionate advocate whose work on the ISB Foundation Board leaves a lasting mark. She saw connections where others saw boundaries, bringing art and science into conversation in ways that continue to inspire.
Her journey with ISB began in 2015 when she set out to explore genetic recombination through an artistic lens. She wanted to imagine “impossible” hybrids – fusions of biology and creativity that could yield breathtaking forms. This vision led to her project Poetic Hybrids, in which she interviewed ISB scientists, searching for words that captured the essence of their research. She then transformed those insights into a series of augmented reality artworks, which she presented at ISB in 2017. Reflecting on the project, Ginny described its intention as one that would impact participants intellectually, artistically, and civically by:
“Challenging the accepted notions of possibility, enabling participants to realize the power of their imagination, and offering a poetic and non-threatening way to experience genetics.”
That same year, she generously lent pieces from her Aesthetic Engineering series to ISB. These striking sculptures – crafted from steel, bronze, and blown glass – grace our lobby and hallways, embodying her fascination with genetic breakthroughs and the wild possibilities of bioengineering.
Ginny’s connection to ISB deepened over the years. In 2022, she joined the ISB Foundation Board and hosted a garden party at her Ballard studio and home, bringing together scientists, artists, and friends in a celebration of creativity and curiosity. In 2023, she took the stage at Town Hall Seattle with ISB President Jim Heath for a heartfelt and humorous discussion on the intersection of art and science – an evening that left a profound impression on all who attended.
The Seattle Times has published a beautiful tribute to her life and legacy.
A celebration of life will take place this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SOLA (Support Old Lady Artists), the foundation Ginny created in 2016 to champion women in the arts.
Her art, her vision, and her generosity will live on, reminding us to always imagine beyond the possible.
