MARIA KATZ, M.S., B.F.A.

Originally from beautiful Upstate New York, there, I earned my BFA from Cazenovia College as well as a Masters Degree in Art Education from Syracuse University. For 15 years, teaching was a passion- it was never ‘work’ because my teaching career revolved around my passion for children and art (not crafts!), and my biggest reward came from the evident excitement and the eagerness that engaged my students to recognize and reflect on the classical masterpieces they were learning about.  Encouraging them to find their freedom to “be” (be creative, be brave, be unique, be kind…), not only inspired them to break boundaries, explore and expand, but also inspired me to do and to be more, which propelled me to create my most popular design, “Be…”

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember, so with a natural mindset to make, create and/or paint, within and beyond the world around me, it’s more than what I do- it’s a part of who I am.  What once started as my side-line-margin-doodles while taking classes in college (lectures never appealed to me, nor did midterms!), after having attended the National Stationery Show in NYC at the Javitts Convention Center, that experience motivated me to continue to create original products & designs. My designs express an element of sophistication, subtle enthusiasm & charm, all representative of the creative integrity I am proud to produce.  My years as a student, as well as a teacher, enabled me to broaden and brighten my pages and my world, full spectrum! As much as I have evolved, so has my artwork- it's always evolving and growing!

Since "retiring" from teaching, Joshua and I were married in beautiful Cazenovia, New York in 2012 and then relocated to the warmer climate of Southern Arizona. Here, I now eat lemons from my backyard trees, I wake up smiling at my smiling husband, and dance, paint and play with our precious “joy,” Ilaria Mia. My cup runneth over!

Because I've been blessed with a talent in my heart, I use my talent to give and share love with those around me. Because my art comes from a place beyond my hands, it truly brings me joy to create and share my art with others! With a funny twist on reality or with the tenderness in my words, all of my art has a cheerful charm and whimsy, with a subtle story of love, life and growth.  My wish is to share and to show, how love and life allow us all to grow! I look forward to creating something cheerful, colorful and completely custom, just for you!

Kindly,

Maria Strazzulla Katz

(email) MariaKatzDesigns@gmail.com 

SHOWS, SHOPS & SPOTS TO BUY:

SPRING 2018- FALL 2020:  The Pear Tree House, St. Phillip's Plaza, Tucson, Arizona  - Hand Painted Stationery & Gifts 

FALL 2019: Skyline Country Club Holiday Art Festival @ Skyline Country Club, Tucson, Arizona

FALL 2018: Skyline Country Private Home Show @ Skyline Country Club, Tucson, Arizona

FALL 2017: Trunk Shows:

                  11/25  La Paloma Gallery & Framing, Tucson, Arizona 

                  11/30  Inside + Out Home, Tucson, Arizona

                  12/10  Handmade Shoppes Catalina Foothills Church, Tucson, Arizona

SPRING 2018: Skyline Country Private Home Show @ Skyline Country Club, Tucson, Arizona

WINTER 2017: "Touch My Heart ll" Collection @ Pita Jungle at Oracle/Ina, Tucson, Arizona

FALL 2016: Sarnoff’s Paloma Art Gallery, Tucson, Arizona -Fine Art & Gifts

WINTER 2016: “Touch My Heart” Collection @ Pita Jungle at Oracle/Ina, Tucson, Arizona

FALL 2015: Mini Emporium Children’s Mobile Boutique, Tucson, Arizona www.ShopMiniEmporium.com

SPRING 2015: “Spring Botanicals” @ Pita Jungle on Broadway, Tucson, Arizona

SUMMER 2011: EDITORIAL PROFILE: “The Hand Made Home,” Cazenovia College Alumni Magazine

JUNE 2011: Dimples Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Syracuse. New York

MAY 2010: Juvenile Diabetes Research Association, Syracuse, New York

FALL 2009: Zoe Boutique, Dirty Martinis Acrylic Canvases, Tucson, AZ

JULY-AUGUST 2009: Provisions Bakery, Botanicals Collection, Armory Square, Syracuse, NY

JUNE 2009: Tea Time Tea Shop, Hand Painted Tea Cup Canvases, Saugerties, New York

MAY 2009: Girleez Boutique, Hand Painted Retail Canvases, Manlius, New York

MARCH 2009: Eastern Hills Juried Exhibition, Botanicals Collection Manlius, New York

AUGUST 2007: CNY Girls Scouts Boutique, Inspirational Canvases, Syracuse, New York

APRIL 2006: Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation

MARCH 2006: Heagerty’s Home & Garden, Hand Painted Stationery, Syracuse, New York

SPRING 2006: EDITORIAL PROFILE: Volunteer Artist, Vera House Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2006: VOLUNTEER ARTIST WORKSHOP FACILITATOR: Healing Art for the Heart, Vera House Domestic Abuse Women’s Shelter, Syracuse, New York

NOVEMBER 2006: Essential Kneads Natural Health Center, Cicero, New York

OCTOBER 2006: “Art of Caring” to benefit Vera House Domestic Abuse Women’s Shelter

NOVEMBER 2005-2006: VOLUNTEER ARTIST WORKSHOP FACILITATOR: Healing Art for the Heart, Vera House Domestic Abuse Women’s Shelter, Syracuse, New York

SEPTEMBER 2003-2005: Home Art Party Hostess, Washington D.C./Northern Virginia metro area

MAY 2003: Chloe’s Closet Boutique, Social Canvases and Bow Boxes, Fayetteville, New York

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