Tom Thomas

Tom Thomas (1945-2009) was a fine arts professor at IU East and organized the Whitewater Valley Annual Art Competition for over 30 years. Tom understood the importance in bringing art to his students and the community while aiding in the overall growth and image of the institution. "Art is a visible field with many applications for building the total learning atmosphere." The goals of his projects were to recognize and act on campus and community needs and bring learning and immersion to students outside of the classroom.

Tom Thomas had a positive impact on many people through his classes, projects, and artwork. His children, Tom Thomas Jr. and Sarah Gifford would spend time in the classroom and art studio with their father on the weekends. He enjoyed introducing his students to his family when the occasional student came in outside of class. 

“He was always very attuned to his surroundings and their meaning. He had a genuine interest in personal stories, individual perspectives, and human inspiration. He was most excited when an artist’s personal creation provided insight to the broader cosmos in an unconscious way. Therefore he took the time and care to recognize hidden talent where most would least expect it…in the small towns,” Thomas Jr. said.

“Tom was a brilliant thinker with a larger than life personality. No dream was too large that it could not be brought to fruition with thought and perseverance,” said his lifelong friend, Rick Boston.

Students saw him as an art professor, hustler, promoter, inventor, and philosopher. He helped show off their talents and push to do bigger things. Many of the projects he founded was based off of giving small town artists a chance to interact with big names in the art world and get experience.

Check out the full Tom Thomas collection.

Campus News. (2015, November, 18). Media Relations. Retrieved August 2, 2018, from https://www.iue. edu/mediarelations/honoring-an-inspiring-artist/

Engle, Bill. Richmond's Renaissance man. (n.d.). Pioneer Press

Thomas J. Thomas Dossier. (1996). Indiana University East Archives, Richmond, IN