Welcome to Alison Claire Thomas Artwork

Alison Thomas is a senior at CSU Monterey Bay majoring in Visual & Public Art. Alison developed her artistic perspectives growing up in Morgan Hill, CA and Kihei, HI. She is applying to grad school in the hopes of advancing her skills as an artist, and growing connections to her community. Her socially engaged art installations broach topics of darkness & light, consciousness, and the duality of the human spirit. 

Working with ever changing mediums and interactive installations keeps my art expression in a constant flow. Growth mindset challenges me to continuously adapt and develop my skill set. The ongoing social injustices happening challenge me to make socially engaged artwork in order to connect with my community on more than just an aesthetic level. 

I welcome the viewer to challenge their own perspective and continue the process of growth. We create a cycle of learned reactions built on interpersonal connections and pure imagination. I add multi-dimensional layers to my work; symbolism, historic references, philosophy and riddles. These components compound each other, enticing thought and personal contemplation in the hopes of connecting with each other on more than one level.  To hold up a mirror to the injustices of the world, is to work towards finding a shared sense of meaning. 

Through bright color combinations and maximalistic texturing, I show my ‘optimistic existentialist’ perspective on the world. Spreading awareness on social issues sheds light on those in the dark, and sparks constructive debates, which is needed during these tumultuous times. I highlight the pursuit of ‘purpose’, that it may lead viewers to reconnect and grow together through the process.

EDUCATION 

California State University, Monterey Bay     

Expected Graduation 2021 

B.A. in Visual and Public Art    

DeAnza College, Cupertino    Graduated 2018

General Education Degree

EXHIBITIONS, HONORS, AWARDS AND PROJECTS

Capstone Final Presentation Student Speaker- CSUMB, 2021

Social Justice Colloquium - CSUMB, 2021

Trauma & Healing Roundtable - CSUMB, 2021

Environmental Affairs Committee Member & Journalist - CSUMB, 2019 - 2021

Writing Waves 2021 Journal - CSUMB, 2021

 “Lutrinae” Newspaper Article Published- CSUMB, 2020

“Emergence” Virtual Gallery - CSUMB, 2020

“The Offices Of…” Student Curated Art Show - CSUMB, 2019

“OK, Boomer” Live Workshop - CSUMB, 2019

Site 7 Exhibit - CSUMB, 2019

Site 6 Exhibit  - CSUMB, 2018

Site 6 Fashion Show - CSUMB, 2018

Annual Vocal Production - Monterey Peninsula College, 2018

Adult English Second Language Mentor - Evergreen School District, 2016 - 2018