Tom Klapproth holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin.  After studying at Wisconsin, Mr. Klapproth continued his art education at the University of California at Berkeley, where he received his Master's in Art. Tom’s early training at Wisconsin was conservative and realistic. Berkeley caused him to change his style toward Berkeley’s abstract expressionism. Eventually his own style emerged, using recognizable forms and shapes in a general expressionistic manner.

He opened the Sam Spade Private Eye Art Studio in Eureka in 1980 and later moved to his studio at 208 C Street, where he was one of twelve working artists. His work is included in many private collections and galleries, chiefly in Northern California. He has taught in public and private schools and at the local Community college, and gave private lessons in his studio. He passed away at home in Eureka on November 11th, 2017 at the age of 84.

 

Tom's wife, Judy, was kind enough to donate a huge portion of Tom's collection to Redwood Art Association in order to raise money to help fund the installation of a chairlift that will allow access to our second floor gallery to all