"...born in Buffalo, New York in April of 1952, and grew up in the nearby Town of Tonawanda. American/German mother, whose ancestors entered the United States in the 1800’s. Italian/American father, who entered through Ellis Island at age six in 1921. Thomas received his first set of oil paints in the eighth grade. In High School he took classes in music theory and composition, studied piano and played French Horn in the school band and orchestra. At the State University of New York College at Buffalo, though entering as a history major, Thomas graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. These years were also filled with lessons in classical pipe organ and bagpipes. In 1971, Thomas accepted his first organist position at First Presbyterian Church in the City of Tonawanda, NY. After graduation in 1974, as assistant to Dr. Edna Lindemann, he became Technical Director for the Charles Burchfield Center in Buffalo, NY. His duties included the design of exhibits, brochures and promotional material. In 1975 he was hired by the Longin Studio in Niagara Falls, NY, and worked as a professional photographer. ... ...In 1987 Thomas attended a painting seminar with Mr. Richard Whitney, a former pupil of R.H. Ives Gammell, an exponent of the Boston School of visual impressionism. Color became a much stronger focus for Thomas and his subject matter expanded beyond urban scenes to portraiture and figurative work as well. After leaving Connecticut and spending a year in New York City, TR Colletta moved to San Francisco in 1992. He auditioned for the San Francisco Symphony Chorus with whom he is honored to share a Grammy for their 1995 recording of the Brahms’ Requiem. In 1996, he began a series of paintings which focused on objects that accented American culture in the 20th century. Exploring the possibilities of expressing these objects in paint continues to be his focus at the easel. ...." http://www.skidmorecontemporaryart.com/thomas-r-colletta-about.htm undefined

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