More about me
My artistic journey began 26 years ago with whimsical murals of Winnie The Pooh on my son's nursery walls, leading to a colorful path of elephants, giraffes, and fairies for my daughter, and evolving into murals for clients, canvas paintings, and a pottery wheel and kiln. As my children grew, so did my artistic pursuits.
Despite a growing portfolio and a BA in Fine Art, it wasn't until 2018, after a lengthy career in technology, that I heeded my own advice to make the imagined a reality, and thus Carla Thomson Art was launched. Many of my pieces are admired for their beauty, but each in rooted in a deeper story, much like the ceramic serving ware I create. Originating from a big, vibrant family that loves to celebrate—sometimes creating new occasions just for the joy of it—I've learned the art of functional beauty. This includes practical tips like keeping my centerpiece low or seeing it unceremoniously moved in favor of conversation and the fiery hazard of placing candles too close to floral arrangements!
When I'm not in my studio, I'm enjoying life in Rhode Island with my son and two daughters, taking long walks with our dog - who we suspect might be a tiny dictator reborn - traveling, taking in my daughter’s opera performance or going out with friends enjoying a Grey Goose martini: dirty with extra olives.
A fun fact: as I worked on a series of anemone flower paintings, my daughter was preparing for opera school auditions, which inspired the title "Soft Music of Summer" for the collection.
Sharing my art is always a thrill. I am honored to have pieces in numerous private collections across the U.S. and Europe, and each sale is a humble reminder of the joy and connection my work brings to others. There is no greater compliment than having someone appreciate the small piece of myself put into each artwork.
Best wishes,
My work can be found on carlathomsonart.com and carlathomsonart.Etsy.com
EDUCATION
B.A. Studio Art (Graphic Design and Photography) Rhode Island College - 1991
SOLO EXHIBITION
2024 Public Art Works RI, Hope Hospice Pawtucket, RI
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
“Winter Members Exhibit” Providence Art Club, Providence, RI 2024
“Big Pictures Show” Providence Art Club, Providence, RI 2024
“Student & Instructor“& “New Members Exhibit” Providence Art Club, Providence, RI 2024
“Up Close & Personal” Wickford Art Association, Wickford RI 2023
"Community Matters" Art League RI, Pawtucket, RI 2023
“RISCA Art Exhibit & Sale” RI Home Show 2023
“Landscapes, Real or Imagined" Wickford Art Association, Wickford RI 2017
“Studio of Her Own” Lyn Art Gallery, Smithfield RI 2016
"Fakes & Forgeries" Spring Bull Gallery, Newport RI
JURIED SHOWS
Glastonbury On the Green Art Festival, CT 2023
Wickford Art Festival, Wickford RI 2018-2023
Narragansett Art Festival, RI 2020-2023
Creative Arts Festival Chatham MA 2022
Roseland Cottage Fine Arts Festival 2019-2022
Paradise City Arts Festival, Marlboro, MA 2018-2019
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
Accepted as an Exhibiting Artist Member at Providence Art Club 2024“
Award of Excellence” from Manhattan Arts International 2019
Finalist, Richeson75 International Still Life & Floral 2016
Best In Show “Studio of Her Own” Lyn Art Gallery, Smithfield RI 2016
SELECTED PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Edinburg, UK 2021
HongKong 2020
France 2019
Albuquerque, NM 2018
Alexandria, VA 2017
Providence, RI 2016
Houston, TX 2015
Los Angeles, CA 2014
Alexandria, VA | Lexington, KY 2012
Newton, MA 2009