Rizzutti Fine Art

Teri Rizzutti

Art has always been an unwavering heart-throb for full-time fine artist, Teri Rizzutti. Born of an Italian father and a Lithuanian mother, Teri spent her youthful years growing up in both urban and suburban areas of Maryland. She can remember occasionally spending time with her grandmother who spoke no English. To converse with her, Teri began creating drawings and cartoons penciled onto scrap paper. Grandmother and child would slide “art-notes” back and forth, smiling and nodding. “I was only five, but overcoming a language barrier and communicating through art seemed magical. I have never forgotten that.” The young Rizzutti’s natural artistic abilities continued to gain attention. In elementary school, she was asked by the staff to “teach art” to her 4th grade classmates. So honored by this

request, Teri pushed past her shyness, created a curriculum, and stood in front of the classroom, guiding her peers through the lessons. Throughout childhood, Ms. Rizzutti felt a compelling desire to immerse herself in all forms of art. Thanks to supportive parents, she pursued art and dance lessons after school. Her father created studio space for her by sectioning off part of the basement. It was here that the budding artist spent free time experimenting with different mediums.

At age 11, Teri began exhibiting her work at local art festivals. Selling her first painting in 1970 was a thrilling and a memorable moment and strengthened her desire to pursue art as a career. Ms. Rizzutti focused on art as well as theatre throughout high school and majored in Fine Art at Towson University. Despite the educational foundation, the techniques she utilizes today are self-taught. The artist feels it was the years of self study, frequent trips to museums and countless hours experimenting in her studio that led to her current mastery of oils, acrylics and mixed media.

For almost a decade, the artist traveled along the east coast exhibiting at art shows and galleries. From 2002 –2008 Teri owned and operated a series of her own retail galleries in Maryland. Each location showcased solely Rizzutti originals. As her work grew in popularity and the demands of running a gallery increased the decision was made to close the storefront. Today Teri’s artwork is offered through art galleries throughout the U.S.

Teri’s work is most often described as prolific. Ms. Rizzutti painted daily…perpetually challenging herself as a painter. Her style ranges diversely from transitional landscapes to expressive abstracts.

Teri lost her battle with cancer on October 21, 2011. She was 55. Her earthly presence will not be forgotten as she has become the angel of color, painting the skies above for all to enjoy.