Thom Shaw, Cincinnati Artist, dies July 6

One of Greater Cincinnati's best-known and versatile artists, Thom Shaw, was a pioneer African-American leader, probably best known for his gritty, urban-derived woodcuts. His one-man exhibition of these woodcuts at the Cincinnati Art Museum was a breakthrough both for the Art Museum, as it began to expand into exhibiting artists from diverse backgrounds, as well as for all artists of different backgrounds and genders. The exhibition was the culmination of a long career, with much yet to come.
His paintings were first shown at the Miller Gallery in the 1970s; they were derived from jazz music, and were called the 'Debejamming Series,' and were large, colorful geometric abstracts. Concurrently, Shaw began to show his woodcuts at the Closson Gallery downtown. His most recent exhibition, dealing with a recent surgery, were shown at Art Beyond Boundaries last year.
Shaw was a founding member of the group Umoja, whose artists mentored all incoming african-american freshman at the Art Academy, as well as seeking exhibition opportunities for mature african-american artists in area institutions.  He was, at one time, the Duncanson Artist in Residence at the Taft Museum. He was long employed by Cincinnati Bell.
His legacy is a rich one and the art, and his presence, will long live beyond him. He was a good friend to many of us.

- Daniel Brown

Services for Thom Shaw will be held Saturday, July 17 at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Avondale.  3655 Harvey Ave. Visitation: 11-12;  Service: noon.