Biography
Thomas Boone is a prominent American painter with a rich background in the art world. Born in Michigan in 1945, Boone’s artistic journey began early in life and has since spanned several decades. His formal education in the arts culminated in a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit.
Boone’s career in the art world took a significant turn in 1971 when he co-founded Habatat Galleries alongside his then-wife Linda Boone and her brother Ferdinand Hampson. This venture marked the beginning of his deep involvement in the art industry, not just as an artist but also as a gallerist and curator.
In 1982, Boone expanded his gallery operations by opening a second Habatat Galleries location in Miami, Florida. This move demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to promoting art. Later, in the late 1980s, Boone conceptualized the Gallery Center in Boca Raton, where Habatat Galleries remained for over two decades.
It was during his time at the Gallery Center that Boone decided to pursue his passion for painting more seriously. He left Habatat Galleries to open a new gallery called Indigo within the same complex. Eventually, Boone closed Indigo to focus entirely on his painting career, marking a significant shift in his artistic journey.
As a painter, Thomas Boone has achieved considerable recognition and success. His works have been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and art shows across the United States. Some of the notable exhibitions featuring Boone’s paintings include:
- SOFA Chicago
- Palm Beach 3
- Naples Museum of Art
- The Los Angeles Art Show
- Palm Beach Contemporary
- Art Miami
Boone’s artistic achievements extend beyond exhibitions. His paintings have found homes in permanent collections of notable institutions and establishments. These include:
- The Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman
- The Ritz Carlton in Jamaica
- Nassau County Museum of Art
In addition to his work as a painter, Boone has contributed to the art community in various capacities. He has served as a curator and juror for several prestigious institutions, including:
- Boca Museum of Art
- Coral Springs Art Museum
- The American Society of Interior Designers
- Norton Museum of Art
- Lowe Museum of Art
Boone’s extensive exhibition history and inclusion in permanent collections speak to the quality and recognition of his work.
Thomas Boone’s journey from an industrial design student to a gallery owner and finally to a full-time painter illustrates a life dedicated to art in its many forms. His contributions to the art world, both through his paintings and his work in promoting other artists, have left a lasting impact on the American art scene.