Caleb Thomas Named the January Community Hero of the Month
Twelve years ago, as a member of the City of Ithaca’s Public Art Commission, Caleb Thomas spearheaded a contest that led to the creation of the Underground Railroad mural on Green Street. That effort led to more – much more – public art coming to downtown Ithaca.
Today, Ithaca Murals, organized by Thomas, has taken up the mantle for public art projects, and the city continues to add to its murals collection. In 2009, there were about 15 murals in Ithaca, now there are over 200 with plans for more to come.
Our Community Hero of the Month, Caleb Thomas, is the guiding force behind this public art movement. The Tompkins Chamber, in partnership with the Tompkins Trust Company, would like to recognize Caleb for his work envisioning canvases for beautiful and inspiring activist art in everyday places and spaces.
Jennifer Tavares, President of the Tompkins Chamber, noted the impact Thomas has made in the community through his work.
“What Caleb Thomas has accomplished over several years through Ithaca Murals has brought creativity, art, beauty, a sense of place – and also awareness of the human condition and historic injustices – to our community,” said Tavares. “Caleb’s work has had a huge impact on this community, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his gift of time and talent.”
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz echoed Tavares’s sentiments.
“Tompkins Trust Company is pleased to recognize Caleb Thomas for his important contributions bringing art that works to shift the cultural consciousness towards diversity, inclusion and justice to the greater Ithaca community,” Hartz said.
Thomas is quick to say he is not the director of Ithaca Murals, but an assistant to the artists who create the art, helping them deal with the paperwork and permissions that are needed. He also noted that each project is a small success that builds upon each other to create a big impact, and that it’s important for people to see that small successes can add up to a big impact.
“Watching the transformation and team building, and the movement the murals have created” Thomas said of why he works to bring public art to Ithaca. “It’s very meaningful to me, the support everyday Ithacans have to recreate our cityscape, and passersby get to see murals created by indigenous artists, Asian artists, Muslim artists, Black artists.”
There are also mural projects planned for several of Ithaca’s elementary schools, and Thomas sees a future of murals on residential homes as well. He said there are currently 16 murals on homes around the city already and thinks that will catch on more and more.
“There are so many more canvases in Ithaca for us to transform,” Thomas said. “Before the Public Art Commission did the electrical boxes (when the 21 Boxes project saw artists paint the boxes with their own creation), it was taken for granted that those electrical boxes were blank. I think someday houses will be the same way, and that murals on houses will be a more common mainstream thing.”
In addition to more public art, an Ithaca Murals app is under development that Thomas said will provide a map of where the murals are located, information about the art, as well as the potential gamification of the experience.
Ithaca Murals does pay artists a stipend for their time, as well as for supplies needed to create the art beautifying our community. Funding for that and the support of Ithaca Murals efforts comes through donations. Find more information about ways to donate at ithacamurals.com/donate.
About Tompkins Trust Company
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Trust Company has 13 locations in Tompkins County, Cortland, Auburn, and Syracuse. Bank services include complete lines of consumer deposit accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, as well as trust and investment services and leasing. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are offered through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information about the bank is available at www.tompkinstrust.com.
About Tompkins Chamber
With over 650 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster sustainable economic growth through service to our members, strategic advocacy, workforce development, destination marketing, and quality-of-life investments.
About Community Hero of the Month
The Tompkins Trust Company, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Hero of the Month Awards, which will give deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. The program will begin March 2021 and will announce community heroes each month.
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz shared his excitement for the new program, “We are looking forward to honoring these incredible community heroes who have done so much for Tompkins County and are pleased to collaborate with the Tompkins Chamber on this important and meaningful initiative” Hartzadded, “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of community members who have stepped up this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the entire community.”
“This is a wonderful way for us partner with Tompkins Trust Company and show gratitude to these deserving community members who have demonstrated exemplary service to our community,” said Jennifer Tavares, President & CEO of the Tompkins Chamber. “We’re excited to highlight how much the Trust Company and Tompkins Chamber alike value strong leadership and commitment to our community with the establishment of this new recognition program.”
The monthly winners will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.
