Familiar Face – Tom Studholme

You're in the midst of Thomas Studholme's artwork when you shop and stroll in Niwot. Studholme's paintings are found throughout the Niwot Market and likely, Studholme himself is at the market, so mask aside, he's got a very recognizable face. For the last four years, he's painted holiday scenes on the windows of local businesses and won several awards as a result. We asked this Familiar Face some questions to get to know the man behind the art.

Left Hand Valley Courier (LHVC) - How did life unfold that you live and have your artwork on display in Niwot?

Thomas Studholme (TS) - I was born and raised in Boulder. My father has lived in Niwot for close to 20 years and my brother had a chiropractic practice in Niwot. My father had an accident, so I took time off to care for him and moved here.

I began privately teaching art then and started a career in illustration, art in public places, murals, and any other artistic work I could find. My first work of art in Niwot is in front of Old Oak Coffee Shop. It's the Left Hand chair with the eye on it. I also did both chairs in front of Wise Buys Antiques, the chair in front of the Niwot Tavern, and I restored the two chairs at Niwot Market because the original artist had moved away.

LHVC - Where did you go to school and what did that lead to?

TS - I graduated from Boulder High School in 1989. I attended the Colorado Institute of Art and graduated with an associate's degree in Visual Communications in 1994 - illustration and digital commercial art focused. I then transferred my credits to the University of Northern Colorado and studied art education. I graduated with a bachelor's of art in education (K through 12) in 1997. I taught at Baseline School of the Arts in Boulder Valley my first year as an art teacher. Then I was hired as an elementary art teacher in Thompson Valley (Loveland) and taught there for 15 years.

LHVC - What does your present work life consist of?

TS - I work at the Niwot Market deli, I'm still doing illustration, commissions, window painting, signs, chalk work, and private tutoring.

LHVC - Besides the Left Hand chairs, what artwork of yours are we likely to see?

TS - Bert Steele [owner of the Niwot Market] had me do a mural several years ago – it's where the butcher shop is now. I did another mural in Niwot Market on the high wall as you enter the market. I also did the pet portraits on the pet food aisle wall. Bert has been such a huge supporter and advocate for my art. I cannot thank him enough for the opportunities he has given me to share my gift with others.

LHVC - Tell us about your family.

TS - I have two daughters: Skyler is 19 and a student at film school in Denver. She's also a friendly face at Niwot Market. My 16-year-old is in high school and a very talented artist. My father is a retired estate attorney and a resident of Niwot. The love of my life and I have been together for 3 plus years. I have younger twin brothers and my mom lives in Denver.

LHVC - Has COVID had an impact on your life?

TS - Profoundly, both positively and negatively. I began working at the Niwot Market when it started to help with deliveries and it evolved into a full time position in the deli. Having to steer through life and everyday challenges and life-changing circumstances has been a lot of spontaneity and creative thinking. I'm trying to make it moment to moment and find the joys and positivity life is guiding me through and towards.

LHVC - What parts of your life are the most rewarding and challenging?

TS - I'm my own worst critic. Nothing is good enough for me. I spent a long time fearing success and failure simultaneously, so my challenges with my artwork are staying productive and striving to always do better than I think I can. Finishing and seeing that I have exceeded my own expectations is a great reward, but so is something simple like seeing how happy a good sandwich can make a person.

Life is a balancing act. And I lose balance a lot. It's getting back up and brushing yourself off and learning from mistakes that are the true marks of living to me. I'm a student and every time I think I know everything, I am humbled by a greater lesson.

I enjoy taking on projects that challenge me and push my skills and talents to a new level. So reaching the bar I hold myself to is the most gratifying accomplishment. I also enjoy helping people and feeling like what I do in any capacity has made a difference in someone else's life.

LHVC - What triumphs have made you who you are?

TS - Too many to mention. My first gallery show was a very big part of my understanding that I was capable of creating art that was gallery caliber. I finished a transformer box in Loveland and that coincided with some major life changes. Finishing made me feel like I was accepted and respected by the city of Loveland and my peers. Hearing from former students and being told I made a difference is very gratifying.

LHVC - What are your passions and how do you prioritize them?

TS - I'm a collector...comics, Funko Pops, toys. My living space is a living museum. I'm a child at heart and I try to recapture that enthusiasm, excitement, and carefree happiness through finding things that remind me of my childhood. Surrounding myself with art and toys and collectibles inspires me. I'm also an art history enthusiast. I have a small library of art-related literature and when I teach these resources are so valuable. I want to know more about what artists were thinking, feeling, and portraying in their art symbolically, historically. I don't prioritize; every day is an adventure, a new discovery, a new way of seeing. I take it as I am guided to it.

LHVC - What are the ways in which you connect with the community?

TS - I make art for the public...chairs, murals and shock boxes. They see me working on something and conversation usually follows. I connect daily as I'm working in the Niwot Market deli. I've donated my art, lessons, commissions to fundraising events.

LHVC - Are there any goals you're working toward?

TS - I'm working on a comic with a very talented writer. I have four commissions to do paintings and illustrations. I want to get my website up and be more proactive in publicity and creating opportunities.

To learn more about Tom Studholme's art, follow him at Thomas Grey Studios on Facebook on Instagram at @thomasgreystudios, or he may be reached at 970-619-9456.