Susan Ryza
BFA in Textile Design & Art Education from Rhode Island School of Design
MS in Bilingual Education from Long Island University
Susan Ryza earned a BFA in Textile Design & Art Education from Rhode Island School of Design, and an MS in Bilingual Education from Long Island University. After graduation, she worked with weavers in the Peace Corps in El Salvador, developing new designs and marketing strategies. On her return to New York, she created a successful wholesale millinery and Latin American handcraft import business, Toucan Hats & Accessories. Eventually, she moved to Santa Monica and then, after her children were born, she sold the business.
In 2000, Susan started teaching crafts at The Westside Waldorf School in Santa Monica. Since then, she has taught jewelry-making, knitting, crochet, weaving, sewing, needlework, macrame, & basket-weaving to both children and adults at Wildfiber, Crossroads School, Michael’s Craft Store, Will Rogers School, and Seven Arrows School. She is currently a faculty member of Santa Monica College, teaching at SMC’s Emeritus College & at SMC’s Continuing & Community Education Program. She also teaches private & small group jewelry-making classes in her home studio. Her work has been displayed at Becket Arts Center in Massachusetts, at the Emeritus Gallery in Santa Monica, and at numerous craft fairs. It is currently available for sale on Etsy and on her website:
