In Remembrance of Larry Thomas

Larry Thomas and his artwork
Larry Thomas, The Problem with Curiosity, 2005-06, Mixed media on canvas, 58 x 50"; Larry Thomas at JCCC; Larry Thomas · HEAP installation view, June 22 – September 17, 2017

Renowned artist Larry Thomas passed away on Dec. 6, 2021. When he was not creating his signature large-scale abstract work, Larry was teaching the next generation of artists.

Larry’s iconic mixed media work had been featured in over a hundred regional, national and international exhibitions and in more than 90 corporate, public and private collections. His exhibition “HEAP,” an immersive installation of hundreds of collages, was shown in the Nerman Museum’s Kansas Focus Gallery in 2017.

Larry received a BFA in Drawing and Printmaking from Missouri State University and later earned MA and MFA degrees in Printmaking and Drawing from the University of Iowa.

The last 25 years of Larry’s career were in the Fine Arts Department at Johnson County Community College. He taught Drawing, Painting and Digital Imaging for Artists, retiring as Professor and Chair of the Fine Arts and Photography Department in 2016.

When asked about his work, Larry gave the statement, “I like the open possibilities of ambiguity. I prefer poetry to prose in my images. That way each viewer gets to be involved in the interpretation. I like that every individual can make one of my pieces their own.”

Contributions can be given to help establish a scholarship fund in Larry’s memory at Johnson County Community College. Contributions can be made in Larry’s memory online or by mail to JCCC Foundation, 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS.