folks are talking - about the art and the classes
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“One of the best art teachers my kids have ever had!”
Mouna Az, Casablanca, Morocco “I really love your enthusiasm and you’re such a good encourager when it comes to teaching the arts.” Denise Weyhrich, Orange, CA As a student who has previously taken a course offered by Tom Relth, I would recommend his classes to any artist looking for an educational and fun experience that challenges them to grow. Tom is an excellent teacher, who clearly has a deep understanding of both art and how to help others learn. He provided a positive and vibrant environment with multiple layers of instruction, giving information on the how and why of techniques as well as hands-on practice. His course encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, explore creation with colors and materials, and look at subjects from a new perspective." Mads Olbricht, Student, Vancouver, WA Great idea! Paula Lindquist, Hood River, OR As I have known Tom Relth for over 50 years, I feel qualified to say he is, and always has been, a dedicated artist and an asset to his craft. Tom's ability to depict small objects on a very large canvas has always intrigued me. It will be your pleasure to get to know him. Erma Baude, Concrete WA Tom's work is outstanding on many levels but the hidden depth of his process that only he can share with you when explaining each work might be the most important piece to soak in and let simmer as you admire them. Eric M., Vancouver, WA |
"Tom is a committed artist who is passionate as much about his community as his art. Rich in experience from his extensive travels, his work reflects maturity that can not be calculated. He is masterful at connecting both people and colors. He "owns" a special hue of yellow, even!
He and his wife Leslie own and operate a gallery in downtown Vancouver that should be the first stop on the First Friday Art Walk. Above & Below on the corner of Main and Evergreen." Meredith L., Vancouver, WA I am writing to support Tom as he prepares to transition to teaching life back in the States after a number of years of making art and teaching young artists in North Africa. Life in our school will change dramatically without him. He has a profound effect on kids in this place, and I want to recommend him to your school only if you are prepared to have him change lives, because Tom offers all of himself to students, and students will respond. I am including the link to his website where he chronicles his students’ work as well as his own. He is a prolific practitioner. He does art. He curates. He teaches. He inspires. He critiques. He creates artists. His media are varied and he communicates technical and historical elements very effectively. My son, David, has always had an interest in art but has never known what to do with his interest. Tom has touched something within David that has wanted to get out for years. I am pleased that he is choosing to pursue music theory in a formal way, I think, because of what he experienced in Tom’s art class. So, I sadly say farewell to Tom but want to send him on to another venue where he can do the same for others. Please consider him for any art positions for which he is qualified. Matt Ihle,School Principal, GWA, Casablanca., Morocco |
Entering Tom’s studio it’s easy to get lost in the wonder of deep woods paintings and drawings, whether in black and white or bright colors. Or meditating on the chair in the window or feeling the awe of Jacob’s Ladder. I’ve bought two pieces of his artwork and totally enjoy them.
Robyn Chan, Vancouver, WA We've followed Tom Relth's work for more than ten years -- from his studio work at North Bank Gallery; multiple showings at Open Studios; and his studio, Above & Below, in Vancouver, and downtown Portland. He works in a variety of media and styles, from the abstract to the literal, sometimes in monochrome, sometimes in vibrant colors, but always with distinction. His larger works, including triptychs and expansive murals, have been displayed at banks, public buildings, and commercial businesses and at shows and universities throughout the Southwest Washington metropolitan area. His work as part of the Art Inside/Out project, which displayed works to the public from storefronts in Vancouver during the Pandemic, is still on display downtown almost five years later. It involved an innovative process in which different works were digitally printed on both sides of the alloy sheeting so that viewers could see his work both from inside the establishment and the street. Tom Relth brings not only an artist's sensibility to his work but also an informed understanding of printing, construction, and carpentry, which makes his work unique. Of lesser interest, but also important, he keeps to his word both on deadlines and costs. G.E. & Steven Baer, Vancouver, WA Bravo!!! I wish I lived closer, to join your classes! Ingrid Casa, Casablanca, Morocco |
