Florida.  Early on he developed the ability to look

beyond the ordinary and close-in on the unique

quality or character of a person, object or scene. 

Summer vacations spent traveling through Northern

Florida, Georgia, and Alabama opened his eyes to the

architectural style that shape those regions.  His artistic vision is shaped in large part by

his keen observation.

school through high school but due to overcrowded classes he was unable to attend his

first art class until his senior year.  Once in the class he instantly knew art would always

play an important role in his life.  However, the basic skills of drawing and painting

taught by the teacher did not satisfy his artistic curiosity.  Thomas branched out and

began studying the individual styles of prominent artists, such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare

Bearden and Archibald Motley.

After high school Thomas pursued his passion by majoring in fine art at Florida

International University.  As a student, Thomas constantly experimented with different

mediums, such as acrylic, pastel, clay and glass.  He often combined mediums in his

process of creative discovery.

After college Thomas wanted to help provide school children with the opportunity to

fully explore their artistic talents.  He strongly believes in the art education of the young as

witnessed in his tireless years of teaching art in the public school system.

Thomas has won several art awards, including the Miami Dade County Art

Exhibition Award of Honor and African American Heritage Month Art Award.  His

sculptures and paintings have been featured in the Miami Herald, Miami Times and

Entertainment News publications.  His work has also been shown in numerous

exhibitions throughout South Florida.  Michael Anthony Thomas maintains a consistent

 level of excellence in his unique and innovative artistic style.

loosely expressionistic landscape; or depicting

vibrant expressions of African American

culture; or creating movement and energy

through glass sculptures; or designing clay or

wood architectural configurations - My

enthusiasm and dedication of purpose remain

the same.  I am devoted to my love of art.

Avoiding reliance upon traditional, entrenched philosophies of the art process has allowed

me to realize my vision in work after work. I constantly seek to challenge the boundaries

of my craft. The combination of various mediums - such as clay and glass, acrylic and

photography, plaster and acrylic, wood and clay - allows me to add a distinctive character

to my work.  I attempt to communicate through my art thoughts and feelings about my

inner world and my perceptions of the outer world.  I faithfully believe Aristotle words,

"Beauty is a gift from God" and I seek to express that gift through my art.