John Edward Thompson (John E. Thompson) was one of Colorado's most acclaimed modernist painters. He was born in the East Buffalo, New York, and first studied at the Art Students League in New York with L.W. Hitchcock and also at the Académie Julian in Paris with J.P. Laurens in 1907.

In 1917, Thompson moved to Denver. He organized a "Colorado Armory Show" in 1918, undaunted by the negative attitude that modern art received in the first half of the 20th century. Thompson began teaching at the Denver Academy of Applied Art and later taught at the University of Denver.

While teaching at the University of Denver, John E Thompson helped to found the Chappell House (later known as the Denver University art department). Through the exposure he gained from his mural work, Thompson quickly made a name for himself among Denver society.

Thompson spent many summers painting and teaching in Santa Fe, and made important contributions to that art community as well.

For his dedication to art and to the community, John Edward Thompson came to be known as the "Dean of Colorado Painters."

Exhibited: Corcoran Gal. biennials, 1935, 1937; WFNY, 1939; Denver Club, 1929 (prize); AIC

Works Held: Nat. Bank Bldg., Polo Club, St. Martin's Chapel, Art Mus., all in Denver; CGA

Further Reading:

Who Was Who in American Art 1564-1975: 400 Years of Artists in America, Vol. III. Peter Hastings Falk, Georgia Kuchen and Veronica Roessler, eds.,Sound View Press, Madison, Connecticut, 1999. 3 Vols.

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