Meet Magda Dia | Artist and Art Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Magda Dia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Magda, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My daughter, a 16 year old artist, was discouraged with art teachers giving too many directions – the idea arose for an art studio focused on letting everyone work with their own artistic processes in a supportive and loving enviornment jumped out at me – the idea of letting everyone just be creative started Jump into Art Studios 15 years ago.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My story is really about the idea of keep expanding, growing and learning about how you want to show up in the world. It was a dream to live as an artist and now through teaching, making pottery, showing my artworks in galleries and shows I get to claim it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my favorite place in the world is my little town of McKinney, Texas with its historic downtown, green parks and vibrant arts community – – we would start with breakfast at Spoons Cafe for a good old fashioned breakfast. Next to Bonnie Wenk Park for a walk in nature, next we’d head to the beach at Little Elm for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Later, we’d head to my house for an organic meal of veggies, dips and some sort of chopped salad. We’d walk into town for a concert of play at the McKinney Performing Art Center or back to my studio, Jump into Art, for our hand at Sip and Throw (one time throwing class). At the very least we would get out and about to take in the sites that McKinney has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many years ago I was at a crossroads. I worked in the business world and I had little time to be creative. I stumbled upon a little art house in Cambria, California; dedicated to just being creative with paint, paper, mosaics and glue. I was mesmerized and completely drawn into the flow of creativity bubbling up out of me. I didn’t make anything noteworthy to say the least but I was engrossed for hours. I knew I needed more art in my life.

My hometown of Palos Verdes, California offered classes in a variety of mediums and I chose the one safe choice: pottery. The idea of making my own plates, platters and cups appealed to the logic in my brain. Let me make something I can use. I started taking classes with artist Roy Kunisaki and I was hooked!

Later, life events brought us to the Dallas area and I knew I had to live within walking distance of my new obsession and found a home at the McKinney Art House. Owner and artist, Sona Knox, welcomed me and I found my new home.

Jump into Art Studios operated out of a small room teaching classes and workshops for more than 7 years. Finally I branched out on my own into first a small carriage house at the rear of my property and invited 4 friends to teach with me. Now, we operate out of the Honeymoon House, a 1914 historic craftsman that serves as our amazing school and studio. We’ve grown to 30 artist educators, 40 weekly classes in 7 classrooms.

Website: https://www.jumpintoartstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jumpintoartstudios/?next=%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jumpintoart