A figurative painter originally from the Tampa Bay area, Thomas Kohlmann studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. While living here, he became the first artist with a studio in the Studebaker Building ArtSpace group, which is now part of the USF St. Petersburg campus. He was also a top award-winner at Mainsail in the 1980s. Thomas later moved to Philadelphia where he is now an active participant in the Philadelphia art scene. In addition to his figurative works, he paints religious depictions that can be found in churches throughout his local diocese. Tom participated in numerous exhibitions at the Arts Center in the 1980s and early 1990s.