About Tom, the Endowment & the Program
About Tom
Tom McAleer was a plein air painter who painted on a daily basis, despite any inclement weather. He concentrated on the process, which he described as a quick therapy session that helped refocus him on the daily rhythm of life. He was inspired by nature and the artists from his outsider art program at the Top Drawer Art Gallery and at the Brass located in Warren, Rhode Island. His art has been described as not the portrayal of objects, but rather the energy the object produced. The speed of his process translated into a palpable sense of movement. Within his paintings, the branches of the trees are blowing and the yellow line in the middle of the road is about to glide off the canvas. Even the houses he chose often looked as if they were about to take flight. Created with quick, deliberate strokes, passion and dance, his daily devotion and dedication is an inspiration to all artists.
Tom’s paintings are as energetic and colorful as his outstanding personality. He passed away on the beautiful day of August 12, 2014. Although he is gone, he continues to inspire creativity with the legacy he left behind.
About the Endowment
In Tom's memory, a few of his family and friends have established an artist endowment to foster a connection between the Block Island School and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The program will be open to Block Island School Students and Alumni ages 14-25 to take courses in RISD's Continuing Education Department. If the number of applicants exceeds the funds availability for a given year the selection of scholarship recipients shall be based on the recommendation of the Continuing Education Department. The recipients will then be chosen on the basis of demonstrated interest in visual arts followed by financial need. Students will be able to participate in a wide range of art and design courses offered through RISD’s Continuing Education Department throughout the year.
All contributions will go directly to RISD and RISD shall maintain and administer the Fund as designated shares within its pooled endowment. Awards shall not be made from the Fund until the activation amount of $100k is realized. If the activation amount is reached by December 15 of any given year, the Fund’s income will be available for distribution on July 1 of the following year. The application process will commence in the spring of that same year.
As of May 2016, we have received over $60,000 in generous donations. We will update this figure as contributions are received.
About the Program
Students will be able to select from a wide range of programs offered through RISD's Continuing Education Dept. These courses cover a wide range of visual practices, from fine arts to design. To learn more visit RISD Continuing Education ~ http://ce.risd.edu
Tom McAleer was a plein air painter who painted on a daily basis, despite any inclement weather. He concentrated on the process, which he described as a quick therapy session that helped refocus him on the daily rhythm of life. He was inspired by nature and the artists from his outsider art program at the Top Drawer Art Gallery and at the Brass located in Warren, Rhode Island. His art has been described as not the portrayal of objects, but rather the energy the object produced. The speed of his process translated into a palpable sense of movement. Within his paintings, the branches of the trees are blowing and the yellow line in the middle of the road is about to glide off the canvas. Even the houses he chose often looked as if they were about to take flight. Created with quick, deliberate strokes, passion and dance, his daily devotion and dedication is an inspiration to all artists.
Tom’s paintings are as energetic and colorful as his outstanding personality. He passed away on the beautiful day of August 12, 2014. Although he is gone, he continues to inspire creativity with the legacy he left behind.
About the Endowment
In Tom's memory, a few of his family and friends have established an artist endowment to foster a connection between the Block Island School and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The program will be open to Block Island School Students and Alumni ages 14-25 to take courses in RISD's Continuing Education Department. If the number of applicants exceeds the funds availability for a given year the selection of scholarship recipients shall be based on the recommendation of the Continuing Education Department. The recipients will then be chosen on the basis of demonstrated interest in visual arts followed by financial need. Students will be able to participate in a wide range of art and design courses offered through RISD’s Continuing Education Department throughout the year.
All contributions will go directly to RISD and RISD shall maintain and administer the Fund as designated shares within its pooled endowment. Awards shall not be made from the Fund until the activation amount of $100k is realized. If the activation amount is reached by December 15 of any given year, the Fund’s income will be available for distribution on July 1 of the following year. The application process will commence in the spring of that same year.
As of May 2016, we have received over $60,000 in generous donations. We will update this figure as contributions are received.
About the Program
Students will be able to select from a wide range of programs offered through RISD's Continuing Education Dept. These courses cover a wide range of visual practices, from fine arts to design. To learn more visit RISD Continuing Education ~ http://ce.risd.edu