The St. Paul Art Collective is filled with sorrow as we report that Tracie Thompson passed away peacefully with her family on November 9, 2020. She fought a tremendous battle with cancer, and held a positive attitude the entire time from the diagnosis late in May 2019 until her family brought her home to rest. Tracie had been a part of the St. Paul art community since 2008 transplanted here from Florida; a member of the Art Collective for a decade; and recently served as a member of the board. She was a skilled and gifted artist, and created compelling work in a variety of mediums that told stories beyond the visual interpretation. She delighted in creating natural and fanciful images of birds, horses, flowers, and landscapes. Her website, traciethompson.com tells about her lifelong affinity for the natural world and animals:
“For as long as I’ve been drawing, birds have featured in my art; they are symbols and stand-ins for humans, messengers and rulers in their own right, whimsical and serious.”
Tracie’s work was featured at Minnetonka Center for the Arts, where she was a much-loved painting instructor, and she was a founding member of Gallery Equus in the Northrup King Building. She was also very involved with the rescue and sanctuary center This Old Horse, and would often donate time and paintings to the cause supporting the mustangs in particular. The art world has lost a tremendous talent, from her love of horses, birds, and trains to her writing and teaching. Tracie woul be honored to have you make a piece of art as you think of her. Notes of condolence can be sent to the St. Paul Art Collective, as a comment on this post, and will be forwarded to her family.
I took several classes as well as private lesson from Tracie. She was a talented artist, a great teacher and one of the kindest, gentlest people I have met. She painted a picture of my cat that captured his personality. I had planned to purchase another painting just prior to her illness, but was unable to get in touch with her. I am still interested in purchasing a painting and if they are still available, would appreciate information on how/where to purchase. Tracie will be greatly missed.
Robin Brown