Rita graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Texas Woman's University. She freelanced as a designer, art director, and stylist for 33 years, working for many advertising agencies in Dallas and surrounding areas.

Rita retired in 2005. She opened the Small Gallery in 2013. She retired again in 2016.

Rita is currently exploring different art mediums. She creates art from metal clay, jewelry fabrication and ceramics. She continues as a conceptual/narrative artist in mixed media. 

Rita as an honorary member of the Goldmark Cultural Center.

Artist Statement
I have loved art since my conception.  There has always been an unseen hand pulling me or pushing me to express myself visually.  I have always had a very strong need to use my hands and body to create, whether it was wielding a paintbrush or swinging a hammer.

I have had many extreme experiences that have shaped me as a person, with a need to convey certain ideas, points of view or lessons I have learned.

I have learned I can change an objects meaning or usefulness by incorporating it with other objects or words. I like the idea of recycling, and “improving” things. I am bothered by the waste and temporary nature of our culture. I am bothered by the cavalier way we treat living things. I am bothered by our need of comfort and luxury at the cost of others.  I  am bothered by the increasing lack of personal freedoms in our country.  I am bothered by the unceremonious way our government sends our young men and women off to war.  I am bothered by our lack of empathy for those who suffer.  Creating art that addresses these issues is my way of voicing my concerns.

Recently I have come to realize that experience and ideology - in partnership with my craft can create very powerful expressions. Whether exploring visions that come to me in dreams, or depicting juxtaposing ideals, I have a need to honor those dreams or realizations visually.  

My journey through life has changed my art to tell a more meaningful story and my art has changed my journey into a more meaningful life. 

Contact Rita:
SLANT Artist Collective