John A. Ruthven (1924-2020) was an Ohio native best known for his paintings of wildlife. He attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati and, after receiving his certificate, opened a commercial studio where he worked with clients for several years. To this day, his work hangs in many museums (including the Smithsonian Institution), and a design of his - an homage to the last passenger pigeon, who died in the Cincinnati Zoo - is translated to mural form on the wall of 15 8th Street in downtown Cincinnati.