Originally from the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, there, Maria Katz grew up in a traditional Italian family with strong family roots.  After high school, she went on to college where she had earned her Bachelors of Fine Art as well as a Masters in Art & Art Education from Syracuse University. Maria's decision to become an art teacher was an easy decision- she had an innate passion for both children and art. Having been an art teacher for over 15 years, the reward from her students was their eagerness to engage, recognize, relate and reflect on the classical masterpieces they were learning about.  Her teaching style was formal and historically based on interpretation of the Masters (Michelangelo, da Vinci, Monet, van Gogh, Seurat, Rembrandt, Picasso, etc...), while developing the skills & techniques needed for her students to develop their own individual creativity. Encouraging them to evaluate & interpret these historical masterpieces, encouraged them to find and foster their own freedom to create. Inspiring her students to break boundaries, expand and explore the creativity within themselves, inspired Maria to do the same within herself as well as her art.

With a natural mindset to always make, create and connect with the world around her, when she shares her art with others, she offers a fragment of who she is.     

Having attended the National Stationery Show in New York City at the Javitts Convention Center, she was exposed to a world of beautiful papers, gifts and art. After attending the event 3 years in a row, in 2001, Maria was motivated to start a business and offer her fine art and gifts to others. Her designs express elements of whimsy, sophistication and elegance that appeal to all.           

Upon "retiring" from her teaching career, Maria and her husband, Joshua were married in lakeside Cazenovia, New York in 2012. Since her move to the Catalina Foothills of Southern Arizona, she is surrounded by sunshine, lemon trees, hummingbirds, and the love and laughter of her husband and their precious daughter, Ilaria Mia, which translates to, "my joy." Her cup truly runneth over!

Blessed beyond her hands, Maria's mission is to create, to share and to always... “use [her] God given gifts to serve one another as faithful stewards whom glorify His grace.” 1 Peter 4:10  

Make it special, make it custom, make it with M•K•D.

With joy,

Maria Katz