Birds of a Feather: Kimberly Thomas

frontdesk8455
Mar 18
2 min read

Updated: Apr 10

Upstairs Artspace is proud to present Birds of a Feather, a group exhibition on view from April 19 through May 29, 2026.

Kimberly Thomas is a biracial interdisciplinary sculptor and flameworker. She is a current artist in residence at Penland School of Crafts in Bakersville, NC. and is known for her work’s intentionally flawed and unusual motifs as well as her intricate sculptural inventions.

A self-taught glass artist, Thomas earned a BFA in Ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design and spent six years as a special effects make-up artist before she began flameworking in 2009.

Thomas’s work is often autobiographical and conveys her unique perception of the world. Drawing on concepts, questions, and theories about human nature, she combines realism and fantasy. She conveys her truth through dark yet entertaining narratives. Recurring themes in her work include the undesirable facets of life and human nature, freedom from the corruption imposed by society, and the expansion of self-knowledge. Thomas challenges viewers to face what makes them uncomfortable in order to invite opportunities for fresh perspectives and personal development.

Guided by intuition, Thomas’s creative process is a balancing act between experimentation and intention. She uses borosilicate glass as a core medium, along with steel, wood, and other mixed media, to create her kinetic, sculptural inventions. Her attention to detail and regard for realism contribute to the intensity and sophistication of each piece.

Thomas is a prolific artist and former professor of glass art at Salem Community College. She is dedicated to her professional and creative growth. In addition to working in her studio, Thomas exhibits her work in museums and galleries across the United States. She was selected for Pilchuck’s 2021 Emerging Artists in Residence Program and has participated in residencies at both Tacoma Museum of Glass and the Chrysler Museum. Her work has been acquired by the Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg FL The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk VA and The Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Fort Wayne, IN.

She is a former professor at Salem Community College in NJ.

Socials: @KImberlyThomasArt

Website: ZiiglassZ28@gmail.com