About US

The newly renovated Holman Building located on 542 Lighthouse Avenue in downtown Pacific 

Grove is home to Ruthless Gallery owned by Ruth Dresser and husband Rick, who is a 

Monterey native and son of acclaimed black and white photographer Rod Dresser. In the early 

1980’s his father worked with Ansel Adams as his assistant and business manager. His 

friendship with Adams inspired him to develop his own talents as a photographer. His 

photographs have been shown around the world in  numerous locations including the San 

Francisco Museum of Art and Stanford University . 

When he passed away in 2011, the photographer gifted his son work from his collection. 

Deciding to share the gifts, the couple opened their first gallery in 2015 in Palm Desert. The 

monochrome photographs of landscape, still life and architectural photos serve as the perfect 

backdrop for jewellery designer and gemologist Ruth Dresser’s designs. 

Ruthless, her nickname, comes from a luxury background like DeBeers and Tiffany and  Co.

 she  offers elegant, exquisite jewellery  from a palette of  Diamonds and  precious 

stones joined by the highest quality of metals to compliment the aesthetic of the 

gallery seamlessly. “I like simple, clean lines,” Dresser shared, “and sparkles,” she smiled, as 

she stands next her display of lustrous pearl earrings  and long Diamond necklaces reflecting  off the gallery lights.  

Ruthless Gallery, is a multimedia space showcasing original works by over thirty artists from all 

over the world. Modern, abstract, classical and pop  art.

Motivated by the Holman buildings new  modern structure, the Dressers opened 

their second gallery in the historic building in May 2023.