A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.
Sebastian Thomas, an adult person with a fair skin tone and dark wavy hair.

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Sebastian Thomas

Lecturer

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Bio

Sebastian Thomas (he/him) received a Bachelors of Fine Arts double majoring in Painting and Creative Writing from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2017 and holds a Masters degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, having graduated in 2023.

He has attended the Studio Arts College International in Florence, Italy; the AICAD Studio Residency in Brooklyn, NY; and Ox-Bow Art and Artist Residency in Saugatuck, Michigan.

Sebastian is adjunct faculty in the Painting and Drawing Department at Indiana University Northwest in Gary and a lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is a recipient of the 2023 Municipal Art League Fellowship Award, the Joseph & Emily Gidwitz Scholarship, and the Presidential Scholar Award from KCAI.

His works have been featured nationally and internationally with Nashira Gallery in Milan, Studio Arts College International in Florence, the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design in New York City, and Zolla / Lieberman Gallery in Chicago, Illinois. 

Awards

Teaching Fellowship Award, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2023; Municipal Art League Fellowship Award, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2023; Joseph and Emily Gidwitz Scholarship, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2022; Honorable Mention, Kansas City Art Institute, 2017; Presidential Scholar Award, Kansas City Art Institute, 2014; President’s List, Kansas City Art Institute, 2014; Merit Scholarship Award, Kansas City Art Institute, 2013.       

 

Publications

Solo Exhibition, catalog, Zolla / Lieberman Gallery, 2025; Master Class: Inside the last Last American Museum School with SAIC Painting Alumni, catalog, SECRIST | BEACH, 2025; "Eroine martiri in lotta con il mito: Medioevo futuro,” Corriere della Sera, 2024; “Ballad Over the Ocean,” printed catalogue, Nashira Gallery, 2024; "Nascosti Alla Luce del Sole," printed catalogue, Nashira Gallery, 2023; The Silent Bell Toll, Terminus, 2021; A Tribute to Black Sabbath: Volume I, Tomorrow’s Dream, Tape Dad, Released, 2020; Fortune Looming, Terminus, 2018; Sound Art Collaborative, Kansas City Art Institute, 2017; Sprung Formal, Issue 12, Kansas City Art Institute, 2017; Safe Travels, See You Never, Terminus, 2016; Into Empty Seas, Auric, 2015; Auric, Auric, 2014; A Runner, Kawsmouth Publications, Issue 14: Of Delicate Form, 2013. 

Exhibitions

Forthcoming Solo Exhibitions: The Research House for Asian Art, 2026; Zolla / Lieberman Gallery, 2025.

Exhibitions: Master Class: Inside the Last American Museum School with SAIC Painting Alumni, SECRIST | BEACH, 2025; Public Exhibition, Likewise Community Center, 2025; Imprints of Time Bridgeport Art Center, 2025; ArtVerona, Nashira Gallery, 2024; Ballad Over the Ocean, Nashira Gallery, 2024; Same To You, Mathew Heberlein Contemporary, 2024; Moreover: 50 Paintings, The Green Gallery, 2024; Zolla / Lieberman Gallery, Art Miami, 2023; Saint Lucy Ironclad, 2023; Nascosti alla luce del sole, Nashira Gallery, 2023; Under the Sun, Zolla / Lieberman Gallery, 2023; Last Call Alumni Exhibition, Color Club, 2023; Graduate Exhibition One, SAIC Galleries, 2023; Contemporary Painting, Brick Lane Gallery, 2022; Tiny Apartment Show, 308 Gallery, 2022; Open Studios, Maclean Center, 2022; Open Studios, Maclean Center, 2021; Pop-Up Exhibition, 2021; Thesis Exhibition, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2017; BFA Exhibition, H&R Block Artspace, 2017; Attach Files, 50/50 Gallery, 2017; DAYGLO, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2016; Infinite Pleasure, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2016; End of Semester, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2016; SACI Exhibition, SACI Studios, 2016; Stranger Than Kindness, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2016; Immaculate Immersion in the City of Florence, Studio Arts College International, 2016; Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2016; HeightxLength=WidthxIntent!, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2016; The Unnamable, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2016; KCAI Drawing Marathon, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2015; NYC Residency Open Studios, AICAD Studios, 2015; Eastern Standard Time NYC, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2015; End of Semester Exhibition, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2015; Inaugural Exhibition, Dodge Painting Gallery, 2014.

Curated Exhibitions: The Edge of Expression: Pushing the Boundaries of Contemporary Art, The Research House for Asian Art, 2025.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

This course, designed for students newly exploring their painting and drawing practice, will allow them to experience how these subjects are taught in SAIC classrooms. The curriculum addresses basic skills related to painting and drawing through contemporary and traditional methodologies. Topics and curricular goals may include use of materials, mark making and paint application, technique, space, color, and concept development. Students will explore various creative strategies through technical exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring painting and drawing concepts into personal student work. Additional resources supplement the course curriculum, such as artist presentations and visits to the Art Institute of Chicago.

NOTE: No previous experience is required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework/research and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1130

Credits

1

Description

In this course, students will focus their interests and refine their skills to create strong, portfolio-quality work. This advanced course is intended for students with previous drawing and/or painting experience who are ready to experiment, take risks, and push their skills to the next level. The organization of ideas and development of self-directed work is emphasized with instructor guidance and peer support. Students explore contemporary artistic practices through interdisciplinary approaches that cultivate material exploration, image-making strategies, and traditional and non-traditional drawing and painting techniques. Led by their individual projects and goals, students may work in various media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, contemporary artist presentations, group critiques, daily writing exercises, and class discussions supplement the studio experience.

NOTE: Painting and/or drawing experience and ability to work independently required. Students are encouraged to bring a digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework/research and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1119

Credits

2

Description

Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.

Class Number

1813

Credits

3

Description

Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.

Class Number

1599

Credits

3

Description

Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.

Class Number

1774

Credits

3