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1975
The Thomas passion for art turned to building their collection, starting with the Taos Society of Artists and the California Impressionists.
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1980
With a focus on diversification, the Thomas began collecting modern and contemporary paintings, specifically mid-century global abstract and geometric art centered around 1950-1979.
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1986
The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation was established.
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1995
Marilynn Thoma began to build the couple’s Art of the Spanish Americas collection.
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2009
With Carl’s professional background as the Founding Partner of Thoma Bravo, which focuses on technology investment, the Thomas began collecting digital and media art, developing a pioneering collection featuring innovative technology-based art.
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2011
The Thomas started their Japanese bamboo art journey, focusing primarily on contemporary nonfunctional basketry.
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2014
Before moving away from Chicago, IL, the Thoma’s opened a warehouse and private exhibition space, Orange Door, primarily used as a research facility and for storing the Art of the Spanish Americas collection.
The first Foundation headquarters, Art House, opened in Santa Fe, NM.
As the Thomas strongly believe in sharing their collection with the public, the museum loan program began, promising new insights into the fields represented in the collection.
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2018
The Marilynn Thoma Fellowship in Art of the Spanish Americas was created, becoming the only unrestricted research funding in the United States devoted exclusively to the field.
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2020
The Foundation developed the Thoma Scholars Program and began making grants to improve educational outcomes for underserved youth in rural Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
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2021
Art Vault, a 3,500 square-foot gallery exhibiting the digital art collection that is free and open to the public, opened in the Santa Fe Railyard.
The Foundation was renamed to reflect expanded efforts and initiatives more broadly. The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation’s philanthropic reach extends beyond the art world to strengthen community, leadership, and education initiatives in under-resourced and rural areas.
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2023
The Foundation headquarters relocated to Dallas, TX. Located in Uptown Dallas, the Cedar Springs Headquarters and Exhibition Space is open by appointment and exhibits artwork spanning all collection areas.
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