Imparting values through
the power of art

28 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

ABOUT OSCAR

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The son of Costa Rican parents of Caribbean descent, Oscar Thomas was born in Panama on April 3, 1956. Raised in Limon, Costa Rica, he spent a lot of time drawing, sketching and painting the world around him. He had a close relationship with his maternal grandmother ("abuela"), whom he credited as his muse. By age 15, one of his aunts took notice of his developing talent and encouraged him to pursue his first job as a billboard restorer.  

 

In 1980, Oscar decided to take his self-taught talents to the United States. After settling in South Florida, he was able to intensely study the works of his favorite artists Salvador Dali, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Oscar went on to build a prodigious life as a billboard artist with outdoor advertising giant Ackerley Communications. Additionally, he opened an art gallery and received numerous commissioned painting, mural, landscape and billboard projects in the United States, and abroad. 

 

Throughout his life, Oscar gave unconditional love as a devoted husband, father, son, brother and nephew. He made his family feel special by being present, supportive, non-judgmental and a great listener.

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Oscar was a quiet, selfless philanthropist. All his giving reflected his enduring commitment to empower and encourage the lives of children through art. Oscar's art was an inspiration to all those fortunate enough to see him create one of his many masterpieces. 

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In his final interview, Oscar said, "I want my paintings to be so realistic that people feel spiritually connected to the image... that they want to reach out and touch it or even talk to it." When he peacefully left this lifetime on May 21, 1997, Ackerley Communications dedicated a billboard to him. He was heralded in the media as a legend, an "iconic artist." Although we dearly miss Oscar's love, laughter, generosity and talent, we find comfort in knowing that he is now an ancestor who made this world a better place. We will always remember him and honor his legacy.​​

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