Diana Tato - Artist Statement:

I am inspired by traditional Majolica from Europe and by the creativity of ancient and modern Mesoamerican artists including Talavera potters. I am attracted to the bold colors, references to nature and symbolism found in the popular arts of my native Mexico, where life and death are both daily celebrations.

In my recent ceramic work, I explore the colors, shapes and textures found in nature and also the human dominance and overexploitation of our natural world. I incorporate these ideas in my pieces telling stories that celebrate the natural world and denounce the ills of our society and its systems of power.

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Diana Tato - Artist Bio:

Diana Tato was born in Mexico City to a family where art was a daily bread; her father was an illustrator and actor and her mother a singer and actor as well. Her maternal grandfather was a writer, opera singer and literature professor. Diana spent her childhood years constantly traveling between Colombia and Mexico following her parents artistic pursuits. She moved to New York City in 1986 after a devastating earthquake in Mexico City.

Her background in psychology and her career in social services infuse her artistic work with sensitivity for human suffering and struggles. Her respect and admiration for Mexican traditions and indigenous people are weaved in the storytelling of her ceramic pieces.

Diana holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and an Associate degree in studio art from Montgomery College, Rockville, MD. Soon to retire after decades of public service, Diana wants to pursue an MFA and plans to advocate for more access to art experiences and education in low-income communities.

DIANA TATO - RESUME

Diana_tato@yahoo.com - 240-543-6768 – Montgomery Village, MD - https://www.dianatatoart.com/

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EDUCATION

University of Maryland Global Campus, MD

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS) Minor in Art Spring 2002

Montgomery College Rockville, MD

Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) Spring 2026

SKILLS

Proficiency in drawing and painting from life, working with ceramics and with fiber (sewing, art quilting and Batik). Experience working with children, adults and seniors in recreational and educational settings. Extensive experience in program management and contract monitoring in nonprofit and local government. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

COMMUNITY SERVICE & LEADERSHIP

Program Manager

Montgomery County, MD Office of Food Systems Resilience 2024-2025

· Develop recommendations and implement collaborative strategies that maximize County’s investments in programs that remove barriers to access and reduce food insecurity in disadvantaged communities.· Manage a 7M portfolio of contracts with profit and non-profit organizations to expand efforts to build a more sustainable food system in the County.

Program Manager

Montgomery County, MD Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health 2013-2018

· Implement the County’s Food Security Plan (FSP) including outreach programs, needs assessments, guidelines and initiatives around food security and food assistance best practices. · Provide strategic leadership to food assistance provider network to adopt service models that remove barriers to access by most vulnerable residents and connect residents to other services. · Develop collaborative relationships between County agencies, local nonprofits and grass roots groups to increase efficiency and participation in public health and food assistance programs.

Site Coordinator

Family Services (Now Sheppard Pratt) Linkages to Learning Program, Gaithersburg, MD 2006-2013

· Developed, implemented and evaluated prevention and early intervention social services programs for low income school families including after school tutoring and academic support, arts and crafts, wellness, healthy living, relationships, skills training, finance, sports, ESL, and more.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2026 National Association of Schools of Art and Design Show, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD

2025 Montgomery College, Annual Student Art Exhibition, Rockville, MD

2025 Montgomery Art Association Holiday Art Show, Oasis Gallery, Wheaton, MD

2025 Montgomery Art Association, The Language of Art, Goldman Art Gallery, Rockville, MD

2022 Montgomery Art Association, Benjamin Gaither Senior Center, Gaithersburg, MD

2022 Montgomery Art Association, The Nature of Art, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

2022 Our Patterns, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD

1995 Montgomery College, Annual Student Art Exhibition, Rockville, MD

ASSOCIATIONS

Montgomery Art Association, Kensington, MD

Rockville Art League, Rockville, MD