Artist & Creator: Rawan Ita

Rawan Ita-Diaz is a Detroit-based Chaldean-American interdisciplinary artist and co-founder of The Art Spread. With a Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, she developed a deep understanding of how intentional design can create meaningful environments —a foundation she now brings to her work in art and community building.

For years, Rawan was immersed in architecture and design, moving through the momentum of a growing career. But on January 20, 2017, everything changed. She was struck by an SUV while walking into work, sustaining spinal, nerve, and musculoskeletal injuries that led to chronic pain and fibromyalgia. The trauma left her physically limited and emotionally isolated.

In the midst of recovery, Rawan discovered fluid art. What began as an experiment quickly became a form of therapy. Through alcohol ink, watercolor, and acrylics on surfaces like canvas, tile, and wood, she began painting her way through pain, transforming emotion into color, motion, and form.

That practice grew into Project TheraPaint, a series that explores trauma, resilience, and healing. Her emotionally raw and visually striking work has been exhibited in major U.S. cities and across Europe.

Today, Rawan uses her design background to curate spaces through The Art Spread that cultivate healing, connection, and self-expression. Her art and advocacy invite others to find beauty in their own journeys—and to know they don’t have to face them alone.