In a short time, Ruth Ann Brown’s New American Art Union has exhibited everything from the boxing photographs of Jim Lommasson to the collages of Joe Macca... Brown’s Southeast Portland venue has distinguished itself from other new dealers and event producers with her level of seriousness and professionalism.

Oregonian, A&E

D.K. Row

August 5, 2005

Not long ago, Art Union director Ruth Ann Brown announced that she would bankroll a series of specially funded artist award shows.

Seven to 10 artists will be picked to present one-time-only exhibits of mostly installation work at her Southeast Portland gallery. Each artist will get a $7,000 stipend, in addition to $1,000 for materials....The program is an unheard-of step by a local dealer

Oregonian, A&E

D.K. Row

September 7, 2007

Ruth Ann Brown (b. 1979) grew up in Detroit, MI, moved to Portland in 1998 and opened the NAAU in October of 2004.   In addition to being the Director of the New American Art Union, she was a board member of Portland Art Center from 2006-2007, Curated the Burnside Rocket Public Art Panels, was a founding member of the Central Eastside Arts District, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree at Reed College.