First Friday Reception: Thom Ross; Artist, Historian, Writer, Storyteller

An excellent raconteur of stories and lore, often depicting footnote yet fascinating events in our history, Thom Ross possesses a passion for his subject matter that is self-evident.
Thom Ross’ art challenges the viewer to re-analyze what he or she knows about history, or what he or she thinks they know about history.
Besides creating reactions of wonder in the viewer, Thom’s goal is to contemporize classic Western events and characters from a sometimes ill remembered or misinterpreted past by his use of vivid colors, abstract shapes, and a modern flair.
Although Thom’s love and knowledge of historical characters and events is deep, he prefers to paint them with a liveliness, spontaneity, and fresh approach rarely exhibited in traditional Western art. As a result, the viewer can more easily re-examine these characters and events, often leading to an 'interpretation' or 'meaning' that is more fluid and consequently, more complex.