Rya Wu Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Wa, Us

Seattle, Washington, United States

As Development Manager, I lead art procurement for our annual auction, coordinating the jury, managing artist relations, and overseeing installation logistics. I also manage our scholarship cycle, including applications and awards, with specific scholarships for BIPOC artists.I organize our summer market by securing vendors, hiring entertainment, and managing day-of logistics. Additionally, I coordinate custom art experiences for team-building and corporate events. I strive to streamline operations and prioritize artist-centric initiatives.Collaborating closely with marketing, programs, and studio managers, I support our mission of accessible arts education for all while enjoying a diverse and supportive community of queer and BIPOC colleagues.

Seattle, Washington, United States

I founded the Fishbowl to uplift queer, trans, and BIPOC artists, especially those starting out. As a creative incubator, we offer artists their first opportunities to exhibit, teach workshops, model, and sell their work—helping them grow into leadership roles and exhibit in larger venues.I manage operations, finances, programming, and curation, with the support of nearly 40 volunteers. We prioritize connection, collaboration, and personal growth, hosting events that spark brave conversations on topics like mental health, racism in the arts, and belonging. The Fishbowl offers free professional development programs, empowering emerging artists while evolving into a collective model.

As a self-taught fine artist, I create intuitive art that reflects inner landscapes, bridging the invisible with the visible and inviting viewers to reflect on their own lived experiences. I explore diverse media, including painting, glass, and sculpture, using mixed materials and upcycled objects to deepen my practice.As a curator, I amplify immigrant and AANHPI voices through exhibitions like Have You Eaten and Wildest Dreams. I also provide creative mentorship, guiding artists in developing their practice and refining their visual language.

I design wearable sculptures inspired by water and the translucent, resilient nature of glass. Each piece reflects the duality of glass—both fragile and durable—offering a metaphor for life’s fragility and the strength within. Subtle themes of self-acceptance, body love, and personal resilience are woven into my designs, inviting wearers to embrace their own journey.Working with 14k gold-filled, sterling silver, gemstones, and glass, I create collections that balance art and function. I manage online and in-person sales channels, offer custom orders, and curate limited collections for those who seek meaningful, handcrafted jewelry.

Managed artist placements for the Uptown Storefronts Program in collaboration with Shunpike, facilitating connections between artists and host venues. Oversaw contract management, ensuring smooth communications and clear expectations for all parties involved. Coordinated art installations and deinstallations, ensuring timely payments for both artists and hosts. Successfully promoted events, exhibits, and performances while documenting activities for visibility and accountability. Monitored attendance metrics to support grant reporting and funding requirements, contributing to the program's overall success and sustainability.

Creative Mentor & Life CoachFor over seven years, I've specialized in fostering growth and resilience within the QTBIPOC community, merging life coaching with creative mentorship. My expertise lies in:- Personal and professional goal setting, with a compassionate approach to overcoming emotional challenges and past traumas.- Guiding emerging and established artists to refine their creative vision, aesthetic, and studio practice, tailored to their unique learning styles.- Encouraging exploration of spiritual and philosophical dimensions in art, complemented by pragmatic studio techniques and skills development.I'm committed to nurturing the holistic development of my clients, equipping them with the tools to harness their experiences as strengths and to make impactful strides in their artistic endeavors.

Seattle, Washington

In my dynamic role at Shannon Koszyk, I have been instrumental in the lifecycle of our unique jewelry pieces, from initial design to the final product in the hands of our customers. My contributions include:- Mastering and innovating construction techniques, elevating the quality and intricacy of jewelry pieces, some of which have become exclusive to my craftmanship, even beyond the original designer's capabilities.- Direct involvement in the design process, contributing to product development with a focus on aesthetic integrity and manufacturability.- Handcrafting distinctive jewelry pieces with meticulous attention to detail, often utilizing advanced fabrication and casting methods.- Overseeing inventory management, optimizing packing and shipping operations to enhance our studio's efficiency.- Educating the founder on new fabrication techniques, thereby expanding our studio's creative and production potential.- Conducting comprehensive training for new hires to ensure high standards of skill and craftsmanship are met across the team.- Remaining an integral part of the studio on a flexible basis, providing my expertise and support to meet fluctuating production needs.This role not only allowed me to express my artisanship but also to play a key part in shaping the production standards and maintaining the brand's reputation for excellence.

Bellevue, Washington, United States

• Helped clients achieve desired looks for routine wear and special events by recommending custom suiting options and personalized alterations.• Managed customer expectations with open consultations and frequent communication.• Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.• Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.• Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.

Bellevue

• Provided in-depth product and service knowledge to patients and customers.• Optimized patient flow by actively communicating with team members to improve office efficiency and minimize patient wait time• Tracked store inventory and coordinated purchases with vendor representatives• Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services andexceptional results.

Seattle, Washington, United States

• Developed and updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze and report on performance and sales data.• Supported logistics for programs, meetings and events, including room reservations, agenda preparation and calendar maintenance.• Performed general office duties, including answering multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.• Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities and communicate instructions.

B.A., Social Studies; Management

Leapyear; gap year volunteering abroad in India, Nepal, New Zealand, Mexico.

Associate Of Arts And Sciences (A.A.S.), Psychology

Running Start Program - Full time