Rita was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended Cass Tech, a technical high school, graduating with a diploma in Commercial Art. Following high school, Rita attended Wayne State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drawing and painting, with a minor in art history.

For the next 20 years, Rita worked in the graphics field in a variety of positions, among them as an intern in the graphics department of the Detroit Historical Museum, at the Wayne State University graphics department, as a paraprofessional for four years in the graphics and printing department of a vocational high school, a teacher of drawing and painting in numerous Detroit-area night schools, and as a teacher of art to Ford Motor Company employees.

In the 1980s Rita began to study the ancient art of icon painting. Her love for history, realism, and the spiritual realm made this a natural avenue for study. Relocating to New Mexico enhanced her interest in ancient icons through the wonderful primitive influences of Mexican and Native American art.

Rita's icons have been purchased by priests and patrons in Ontario, Detroit, and California, as well as by Silver City residents.

Recently, Rita painted the 100th anniversary icon for St. Vincent de Paul Church in Silver City.

Rita is currently pursuing a Masters in Art degree, and is the owner of Repeat Boutique in Silver City. She has also raised two daughters and a son and is the proud grandmother of five, the oldest being 21 years.

Madonna & Child
15 x14   mixed media
$130