About the Artist

Reuben Rude was born in San Francisco in 1969, after the moon landing but before the Rolling Stones’ legendary concert at Altamont. Within a few years, his parents migrated north, to settle deep in the woods of Mendocino County. Living in a series of tents, campers and ramshackle huts, without indoor plumbing or a television, he spent the better part of his childhood outside. When it was raining or dark he would read and draw.

Sometime around 13 years old, he had to come to grips with the reality that professional baseball would not be in his future, and art would probably always be his main pursuit. Because of his lack of development in any other area of study, he chose to attend art school in the city of his birth. He lives in San Francisco to this day, and probably always will. He ekes out a living making paintings, sculptures, murals, posters, and all manner of commercial art.

He never goes camping. 

Instagram: @reubenrude
Twitter: @reubenrude
Website: https://reubenrude.bigcartel.com/

About the Partner

In 2024, the Big Art Loop began from an unconventional belief: Big Art can be a magnet to attract people, jobs and investments to a city.

After a decade of calling San Francisco home, Sid and Karen Sijbrandij, founders of The Sijbrandij Foundation, saw an opportunity. Through supporting artist residencies in Zambia, Uganda, and Grand Bahama, and founding Art City in New Mexico, they’ve seen how public art invites connection, creates civic pride and brings energy to communities. The Big Art Loop is their bold investment in San Francisco’s future.

Instagram: @bigartloop
Website: bigartloop.org