In December, Wayne County lost Tom Butters, described by community members as a prolific artist, teacher and advocate who left behind an invaluable legacy. He was 84 years old.
Bess Sturgis recalls her friend and collaborator as a force of nature within the arts community. An artist and author herself, Sturgis was both thrilled and terrified when Tom approached her about creating a children’s book in 2017. A year later, their fairy-tale novel, “The Kitchen Fairy,” was underway.
“Writing a book for Tom to illustrate quickly became both delightful and overwhelming,” said Sturgis. She witnessed how keeping pace with his artistry, imagination and intellect propelled her out of her comfort zone.
“That ‘no-rules, no-fear writing’ became my normal process. I am grateful to Tom for that.”
Butters’ expressive paintings filled studio halls and exhibits throughout the state, including the Richmond Art Museum. RAM Executive Director Shaun Dingwerth remembers Tom as a regular entrant in their annual juried exhibition.
“Tom won Best of Show, I believe the first year he entered, which was quite an accomplishment,” said Dingwerth. “It came as a surprise to him, but it was well deserved.” Butters’ first entry into the state’s oldest art exhibition was in 2007.
Not only was Butters an accomplished studio artist, but he also excelled as a longtime member of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association. Plein air painters develop their art outdoors.
“He was an avid painter and teacher,” fellow association member Mary Ann Davis said. “His talent was an inspiration; he had a unique perspective of looking at life.”
Davis recalled how Butters’ work inspired curiosity and joy, matching his upbeat personality.
“As Pablo Picasso said, ‘the meaning of life is to find your gift.’ Tom found his!” said Davis.
Butters shared that gift as a teacher and mentor at Hagerstown’s Arts Place, a community outlet that welcomed people of all ages to share in a collective love of the arts.
“I miss the Arts Place,” said Randy Rendfeld. Now living in Illinois, the former New Castle artist enjoyed being with like-minded people while painting. “Tom was a gifted artist and teacher who did a lot for his community.”
Another recipient of Tom’s gift was Anita Crull, who helped him with the Arts Place’s Saturday art group. She remembers how he worked to enlarge Arts Place’s scope by offering diverse classes.
“I taught violin classes and had a community choir. Bess taught children’s art classes,” said Crull. “We formed an Arts Place family.”
“We respected and loved Tom. He was fun to work with, could be sarcastic in a humorous way and always promoted opportunities for the community,” Crull said.
Butters remained active as recently as last fall with exhibits at the Art Depot in Union City and the MacDowell Gallery at Reid Health in Richmond.
A version of this article appeared in the January 28 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.