About

A textile professional and a mixed media artist lives in Carlsbad, California. 

Starting to sew at a very young age.  She was influenced by her mother who entered Vogue sewing contests and was also an artist. 

With years of working in the garment industry as a patternmaker, draper, product developer, designer, and a textiles and fiber arts educator (shibori, marbling, gradation dyeing, natural dyeing), an opportunity was created at the Walt Disney Company in costuming using her textile and design skills.  She dyed, manipulated and distressed fabrics and accessories for entertainment costumes.  She developed custom textiles and jewelry for the Character Costuming world-wide in the theme parks, Disney on Ice and Disney Cruise Line for 13 years.  In her role as a product developer at prAna, sustainability was a key focus in developing products.  She taught Textile Science at Saddleback College and FIDM, San Diego.

Her designs are inspired by the arts and science of nature.  Inspiration strikes with color and textiles. She always tries to put an element of surprise in each piece, either in the front or back using hand dyed fabrics or a specialty costuming fabric.  She practices sustainable dye and print methods and has studied under Joan Morris, Jane Dunnewold, Michel Garcia,Yoshiko Wada, Doshi and Pietro Accardi.

Ritacco is a member and volunteers at Visions Art Museum where she is on the Curatorial Committee and is on the Board of Directors.  She also is a member of Oceanside Museum of Art, Textile Study Group of San Diego, SAQA (Studio Art Quilts), Quilts on the Wall, El Camino Quilt Guild, and Canyon Quilt Guild.  She chairs the Philanthropy Programs at Philanthropic Educational Organization providing educational grants and loans to women in education.