As a sumi-e instructor, Diana has studied this ancient art for over 25 years under the tutelage of Reiko Ito Shellum, a Master Sumi-e teacher from the school of Nanga. She have taught previously in Minnesota and then moved to beautiful North Carolina, where she taught at the North Carolina Arboretum and now at the 310 Art.

When living at Long Island, NY, Diana noticed a six-week class for "Oriental Brush Painting" and enrolled. Later, at the Minneapolis Museum of Fine Art, she was able to further her interest in sumi-e when she enrolled in Reiko's class, not realizing how her skills would grow through the years.

Diana enjoys hearing the students express their joy when they stroke the brush on the rice paper and see the result for their efforts. One wish Reiko had was for her to continue teaching, and Diana is happy to be fulfilling her wish.