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.

CONTACT RIE
  • SUNSET PRIDE

    The annual summer show at Hunt & Gather in San Francisco.

    1108 Irving Street, San Francisco, 94122

    Show is up until August 31, 2025

    HUNT & GATHER 
  • CULTIVA CAFE

    Old 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

    CULTIVA 
  • ATRIUM SHOP

    Some 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.

    ATRIUM 
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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