READING, ARTS, LITERACY AND FAMILIES are the foundation of Eye of the Artists Foundation’s outreach in the community. Annie Ruth would often visit schools that didn’t have a PTA or school partner to pay for her visits so, in 1998, she created What’s the Word? READ (an arts and literacy outreach program). She presents in schools, churches and community centers in Tri-state area of Cincinnati, Ohio. Annie Ruth has created art, written poetry, and engaged with children in impoverished neighborhoods for decades. In 2001, What’s the Word? READ became the first official program of Eye of the Artists. Almost twenty years later, she continues her work-- connecting with both children and entire families. Annie Ruth’s goal is to make arts, literacy, and learning accessible for everyone.