Tom's Story & Philosophy
Tom Szewc was a master of many trades—cooking, carpentry, fly tying, and bonsai—but his true passion was painting and drawing, particularly the human figure. Born in Philadelphia in 1951, Tom discovered his love for drawing at a young age while watching Jon Gnagy on television. His artistic journey continued at Jules E. Mastbaum High School, where he studied graphic design and applied arts, leading to an early career in commercial art. He later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Philadelphia College of Art, refining his skills in figure painting through intensive study with Arthur de Costa at the Philadelphia College of Fine Art. Additionally, he explored landscape painting and the expressive use of color under the guidance of Wolf Kahn.
Freelancing as a graphic designer and mural painter allowed Tom the freedom to travel across the United States, painting and exhibiting his work. He showcased his art and won awards in Southern California, painted murals for celebrities, instructed at art centers, and participated in numerous exhibitions in the Chicago area. In 2013, Tom relocated to Western North Carolina, where he fell in love with the region’s natural beauty.
In 2022, Tom was diagnosed with throat cancer. Despite numerous trials and treatments, he valiantly fought the disease until he passed away in May 2024.
To honor his memory, the Thomas E. Szewc Foundation was established with a mission to provide college scholarships for students pursuing Tom’s passion—painting and drawing. This initiative is funded through tax-deductible donations from the sale of his remaining artwork. No salaries will be taken; 100% of the profits will go toward these scholarships.
The Foundation
The Thomas Szewc Art Foundation stands as a tribute to the remarkable life and artistic achievements of Tom Szewc. Through this foundation, Tom's vision continues to inspire and educate, preserving the profound beauty and compelling social commentary within his works. Focused on showcasing his diverse collection—from serene landscapes inspired by his time in Philadelphia, California, and the mountains of Western North Carolina, to his evocative portrayals of racial injustice—the foundation fosters appreciation for art's power to ignite conversation and change. By maintaining and sharing Tom's legacy, the foundation ensures that his message of beauty, resilience, and justice resonates for generations to come.
At its heart, the foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation of creators. All proceeds from sales of Tom's artwork and generous donations directly fund scholarships for aspiring art students, enabling them to pursue their dreams of attending art school. These scholarships honor Tom's lifelong belief in art's transformative ability and its capacity to unite and inspire. By investing in young talent, the Tom Szewc Art Foundation not only preserves his artistic legacy but also nurtures the creative voices of tomorrow, ensuring that art continues to be a beacon of hope, exploration, and advocacy.
Tom’s paintings are available on this website, and select local galleries may also exhibit his work, with announcements posted online. Each painting purchase will include a Certificate of Authenticity and a Thank You Letter for your tax-deductible donation.
