Farewell, Our Beautiful Friend
With heavy hearts, The Wheelhouse family bids farewell to Maria “Ria” Noriega, our friend and the artist that designed and painted the mural on the back of our Hamtramck shop.
Ria was a free spirit, a talented and generous artist, quick to smile, and blessed with a warm and likable personality. We love her and will miss her immensely. We are not alone in this.
I was introduced to Ria in 2016 when I was looking for a mural artist with geometric inclinations as well as one willing to delve into the more spiritual side of art, as I was commissioning it in memory of my sister Kati, who passed away the prior year. We got to know each other intensely and quickly as the mural’s linework “mapped” the life of my sister. No surface topics here.
Part of the payment for the mural was a bike and I often heard stories of rides and how much she loved her bike. That was what the last conversation we had was about, in fact.
My heart is sad for Ria’s family and friends. Times are so tough right now. Let each other know if you need a hand. Let me know.
Ria, I love you. - Kelli
