Tom Lea Institute

The Tom Lea Institute in El Paso, Texas, a 501 (c)3 organization founded to perpetuate the legacy of a great American artist and writer.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Ever wonder what we do? Take a quick look!

https://t.co/pED02tfvO0

[Anna Alvarez @Alvarez_SEISD]

At SEHS, we’re strengthening our wings through intentional writing practices—unpacking the difference between writing to learn & learning to write. Grateful to have @SFCDesrosiers back, soaring in with @TomLeaInstitute resources for our SS team! #SanEliManoAMano #SEHStheBest

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

👀Look at this!
New to the Harry Ransom Center and The Tom Lea Institute are these beautiful drawings made by Tom Lea as part of a series he made for her friend Martha Esquivel Hahn! Check out the whole story and more drawings here! https://t.co/w6QNFMqh5W @ransomcenter

[El Paso Inc. @ElPasoInc]

UTEP to receive Tom Lea's personal library, a collection of over 1,000 books. The library, currently in his home, will be moved to UTEP for public viewing. The move coincides with a series of events celebrating Lea's work presented by the @TomLeaInstitute.https://t.co/4cgo1EWaDu

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

The Tom Lea Institute is happy to have the opportunity to help find a home for Tom Lea's original artwork. Please direct inquiries to Holly Cobb, Executive Director, at [email protected].
Lea T. (1954) Painting cover for National Business Magazine, Sheep Herder [Casein Tempera]

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

The mural freezes in action as Joe, suspended in mid-air, is about to tumble to the ravine below.
Read more about the Stampede mural at The Tom Lea Trail mobile tour, https://t.co/2n0tQ6lxBX

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

During the 1930s, Tom Lea received one mural commission after the other, most of them awarded by the Works Progress Administration’s New Deal.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Startled and terrified by a nighttime electrical storm, the herd bolts in mad excitement. Tom made detailed studies before he painted the mural.
The frightened cattle’s red eyes bulge. Caught in their path, the cowboy’s horse, also terrified, hurls Joe headlong from the saddle.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

The light is just outside the frame and pretty much stuck in his face. He said "You’re late." I said, "No we were right on time." But what he meant was he was old and not painting any longer. I sent him prints, and he wrote me a sweet letter. I cherish it.
By James Evans

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

It was in the summer of 1999. Sarah Wilson and I were returning from an assignment in NM and decided to stay in El Paso for the evening.

I looked in the phone book (remember those) and there was his name so I called.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Next day we met Tom, and he was a little standoffish at first, but by the end of it he was pretty sweet. I didn’t bring any lighting, and there was just this little desk light he had to provide a catch light. It was funny.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

The Tom Lea Institute is on the lookout for volunteers!

We need people to be greeters for our events and assist on walking tours. Join us! Learn about people’s experiences at https://t.co/8rNz2r3PHg

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Tom was known for depicting the diverse people who populated the region in his art.
Today, on The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we share his piece, Medicine Eagle, to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous population.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Our website store is filled with masterpieces rich in history. Like the beautiful Southwest litho print, Tom Lea's last mural gifted to El Paso Library

Visit our store today, https://t.co/D5qwNQ1CtA

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Ink Wash ft Joey Lee Cabral

Delve into Tom Lea's Ink Wash art with El Paso artist Joey Lee Cabral and learn Tom Lea's ink wash technique in a lesson designed for classroom use. Includes an instructional video with a step-by-step approach with Joey. Visit https://t.co/u0WCpggLNT

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

You can make the difference, please consider donating today! https://t.co/F9UiXo3RkN
Thank you once again for supporting the legacy of Tom Lea.

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

This is what happened in July. These are some of the many ways we love to serve our community!

[Tom Lea Institute @TomLeaInstitute]

Are you ready for this year's Tom Lea Celebration?
Our 2024-25 Tom Lea Celebration continues spotlighting small towns Our 2024-25 Tom Lea Celebration continues spotlighting small towns and bustling cities along the Tom Lea Trail.