
Meet Marie "Rie" Thomas
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.
CURRENT SHOWS
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SUNSET PRIDE
HUNT & GATHERThe annual summer show at Hunt & Gather in San Francisco.
1108 Irving Street, San Francisco, 94122
Show is up until August 31, 2025 -
CULTIVA CAFE
CULTIVAOld and new work is up in San Juan Bautista, CA at Cultiva Cafe until end of July.
215 Third St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 -
ATRIUM SHOP
ATRIUMSome of my work is always on display at the Atrium in Old Sacramento.
A shop full of local artists and creatives you can always find a gift or piece of art perfect for you.
PAST SHOWS
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2025
- FEBRUARY 2025
RIE-imagine - group
Atrium
Old Sacramento, CA - FEBRUARY 2025
Palette & Pamper
C-space
Sacramento, CA - MARCH 2025
Botanica - group
Hunt & Gather
San Francisco, CA
- FEBRUARY 2025
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2024
- MAY 2024
WOMEN MAKE THE CITY - group
The Gallery
Sacramento, CA - JUNE 2024
MEMBERS SHOW - group
MACC
Rancho Cordova, CA - JUNE 2024
SUNSET PRIDE
Hunt & Gather
San Francsico, CA - JULY 2024
L x W x D - group
MACC
Rancho Cordova, CA - AUGUST 2024
DTALE SOLO - collab pieces
C-Space
Sacramento, CA - LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2024
Ventura Nationals Car Show - group
Ventura Fairgrounds
Ventura, CA - OCTOBER 2024
Spirits of the season - group
Atrium
Old Sacramento, CA - NOVEMBER 2024
Small Treasures - group
Elk Grove Fine Arts Center
Elk Grove, CA - NOVEMBER 2024
Pancakes & Booze - group
San Francisco, CA - DECEMBER 2024
100 under 100
WAL Gallery
Sacramento, CA
- MAY 2024
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2021-2023
- JUNE 2021
ENOUGH - solo
The Loft by We are Sacramento
Oak Park, CA - OCTOBER 2021
ENOUGH - art showing
Tomato Alley
Sacramento, CA - MAY 2022
Art on display
The Silverlining Bar
Sacramento, CA - JUNE 2023
SUNSET PRIDE - group
Hunt & Gather
San Francisco, CA - JULY 2023
UNCONVENTIONAL - group
Catalyst Gallery
Stockton, CA - JULY 2023
INTERLUDE - solo
Atrium
Old Sacramento, CA - SEPTEMBER 2023
VIDEO GAME - group
Medium Tattoo
Sacramento, CA - SEPTEMBER 2023
ABSTRACTS MAKE THE CITY - group
The Gallery
Sacramento, CA - OCTOBER 2023
ART on display
CRYSTAL NUG dispensary
Sacramento, CA - DECEMBER 2023
ART on display
Blue Note Brewery
Woodland, CA - DECEMBER 2023
DECK THE WALLZ - group
Sacramento, CA
- JUNE 2021