Marie Thomas, widely known as Rie, has been immersed in the world of creativity since childhood, famously "vandalizing" her baby book with early artistic endeavors. She currently calls Sacramento home, a city she's lived in for over 18 years, alongside her two children. Her diverse upbringing as a military brat took her from Germany to Texas, various parts of California, and brief periods in Colorado and Washington, undoubtedly enriching her perspective.

Rie honed her craft at the Art Institute of California - San Francisco, graduating in 2005. Yet, her true education in art and creativity has been a lifelong journey. College allowed her to refine technical skills and deepen her knowledge of fine art.

From Personal Expression to Public Connection

After college, Rie prioritized raising her family and building her design career, though her passion for art never truly faded. In recent years, she's courageously stepped out of her comfort zone, sharing her personal artwork with a wider audience. This was a significant step, as art had largely served as a coping mechanism, and she was unsure how it would be received. However, once she allowed herself to share, the public not only embraced her work but also felt a deep connection to it, leading to high demand for her pieces. This positive reception has fueled her pursuit of both her art and her design business.

A "Creat-A-Holic" with a Bold Vision

A self-proclaimed "creataholic," Rie naturally infuses creative ideas into every project. Her business, RIEDESIGN, began as a graphic design firm and has organically expanded to incorporate her distinctive art. Her style is characterized by bold colors and abstract shapes, often featuring integrated female figures. Rie is also an innovator, currently experimenting with repurposing garage sale and thrift store finds into new art pieces. While many of her works are on canvas, she also creates on paper and has recently ventured into transforming mannequins into art. Additionally, she's revisiting a high school technique, now recognized as Zen Tangles, weaving this intricate style into her current work.

Dedicated to Community Growth

Beyond her studio, Rie is deeply engaged in the Sacramento community. She's a visible presence in various art groups, community business organizations, and local charities. With her expertise in graphic design, art, and creative strategies, she consistently donates her time and talent to help these organizations flourish and become successful, enduring staples within the community.