Kay Thomas

Teaches at The Art Center Highland Park

Born in Pittsburgh, PA. BA Duquesne University. Studied sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) with Motoi Oi and Evalyn Aaron. Studied Chinese painting at the School of Chinese Brushwork in New York City with Wang Chi Yaun. Continued study of Chinese painting in Chicago with Monica Liu, Charles Liu and Guang Xin Qian. Workshops with Cheng-Khee Chee, Henry Wo Yue-Kee, Shozo Sato, and Koho Yamamoto. Additional study in watercolor, oil, crafts, portrait painting, silk screen printing, monoprinting and marbling.Painting trip to Japan that included travel and study with Robert E. Wood. Traveled and studied in China with Dong Kingman. Second trip to Japan to study Japanese crafts.
Extensive experience teaching Japanese ink painting in Chicago area at Adult Education Department of Highland Park High School, Chicago Botanic Garden, Field Museum, New Trier Extension, Japanese American Service Committee, David Adler Cultural Center, Skokie Park District, The Art Center of Highland Park, Winnetka Public Schools ,and Park Ridge Art League. Taught workshops at Fernwood in Niles, Michigan, and Peninsula Art School in Wisconsin. Demonstrations for many schools art leagues, senior centers and clubs. One person and group exhibits in Chicago and suburbs, New York City, Long Island, Washington DC, Mobile, Indianapolis, Duluth, and Toronto. Prizes and awards in many shows. Work in private and public collections. Member and board member of many art organizations including Sumi-e Society of America, Sumi-e Midwest, and Wilmette Art Guild.