From Lisa Erato
As an artist and art consultant, I write this letter of commendation of my friend Thomas Pignato,

Wood artist extraordinaire. Pignato's works are highly specialized, original, masterfully rendered
inventions of the most imaginative caliber.
To fully appreciate this tactile medium and integrity of the work, it is best observed first-hand.
Thomas Pignato is a folk artist legend, who has amassed a treasure trove of original art and I would
venture to say his rare collection comprises a "National Treasure", that deserves it's place in
Christal Bridges museum for the multitudes

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From Dwight Yarnell
After seeing the art on exhibit in Crystal Bridges a couple of times, there is no doubt in my mind
that when Alice sees the art of Thomas Pignato, she will want to own it. His art images reach out to
everybody and you won't forget seeing them.
What Pignato has done with wood is flat-out amazing. The work ethic it must have taken is
incredible and the time is mind-boggling and He is only now reaching out to you. We have all been
wondering and patiently waiting and finally He is here.

From Allen Schwartz (A.Spencer Schwartz)
As a former intern with the Cultural Alternatives Network, SoHo, NYC I had the
opportunity of documenting and interviewing local artists for the Smithsonian
Institute American Art Archives Project in 1972/73. We received this prestigious
grant to present emerging American Artists populating and exhibiting their works in
the newly established area for lesser know artists seeking affordable living & gallery
space in this newly formed area, now legendary with the international arts
community.
I have been an arts activist and community arts supporter in providing technical
assistance for artists and community arts groups nationally. So when I first met
Thomas Pignato I was immediately enraptured by his work!
Aside from the depth of the technical complexity of his wok in the unique utilization
of materials, the vibrance of his color pallet and adventurous use of composition. I
was very further enhanced by relevance of his subject matter, and mystified by
Thomas' explanation of his creative process and the notion that... “The Subjects
Chose Him”.
Thomas' work speaks unique volumes regarding the interplay of culture, politics and
ethics in the ever evolving landscape our our country's diversity and turbulent times!
Mt Pignato is truly an American Art Icon and extremely deserving of national
recognition, well beyond the conventional traditions of American Fold Art, he is, in
my opinion and experience, a powerful cultural voice in our society that needs
exposure on a national level.
I have been privileged to have documented some of the large body of his work
exhibited in South Florida over the past ten years. He has the powerful voice of a
common man during these transitional times and a depth of perception that must be
heard!

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From Johny Finley
Thomas, your work is so amazingly captivating even from first glance. At a glance it tells one that
this is true artwork; even before knowing anything about the artist or the way in which it was
constructed. At second look one notices the boldness. As the work absorbs one's curiosity further,
the small nuances of the detail of the expressions of the work itself; whether it be a living being or
an inanimate object grabs you. It then takes us to the passions, the expressions and the emotions
that the artist felt at the moment of conception of each detail. Stepping back one sees the whole of
the piece; giving us a sense of wonderment of how this was created. This brings us to the education
of the truly amazing way in which it was formed. The feeling one gets when finding out how it was
done and the extreme work that transpired through the whole of the birth of the concept to the
completion of the piece humbles the heart. Before walking away; one gets the rush of feeling that
there is nothing they cannot accomplish with vision, hard work and passion. Thank you for sharing
yourself and your work with the world. It is my hope that more people all over the world will be
able to see, learn and be uplifted by your work.