multi-passionate,
multi-platform artist and non-profit administrator
about Maria
A lifelong learner, Maria Fumai Dietrich finds joy in service to others, imaginative experimentation, and growing as an individual, artist, educator, and leader. Since childhood, Ria is often drawn to creative pursuits—her first love being the stage. This love led her to study vocal performance at a small, liberal arts college, where she also minored in painting and began her career as an arts administrator. Maria holds a professional certificate in Performing Arts Administration from NYU ‘06, a BA from Concordia College—New York ‘07, an MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University ‘09, and an MA in Public Leadership from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and Temple University’s Fox School of Business ‘11. She is co-founder and board member emeritus of Emerging Arts Leaders: Philadelphia and was a 2018 fellow in the New York Foundation for the Arts Emerging Leaders Program. Ria resides on the East End of Long Island with her spouse George and their four super awesome kiddos.
values
COMPASSION · PEACE · HEALING · LEARNING · GRATITUDE · TOGETHERNESS · SERVICE · GENEROSITY · AUTHENTICITY · FUN
artist + illustrator
A lover of color and shape, Maria is inspired by vintage patterns, youthful themes, and nature. Personal projects range from abstract digital illustrations to hand-lettered tributes for children lost to gun violence. Themes of love, peace, compassion, growth, and self-expression often surface in her work. While Ria considers herself a self-taught artist, she has benefited from formal and informal education in lettering, painting, watercolor, graphic design, and illustration.
educator + program developer
Passionate about helping people connect with themselves and one another through the arts, Maria designs and conducts workshops and programs for participants of all ages. The intersection of peacemaking and the arts is of particular interest, as Maria guides individuals and groups through meditative and creative exercises with the goals of healing, helping people find their voice, and amplifying marginalized voices.
non-profit administrator / facilitator
Motivated to make an impact in the lives and communities of the East End, Maria applies fifteen years experience in the non-profit arts and higher education sectors as a consultant serving non-profit organizations, as well as fellow independent entrepreneurs and creatives. Available for short and long-term engagements. Areas of interest include project management, program development, advising, audience development and marketing, and fundraising.
Check out my complete resume here.