Local artist Tom Peters remembers doodling and dabbling in art since boyhood. With the encouragement of his teachers throughout his school years, he kept at his craft and refined his skills into what has now become his retirement hobby.
Peters grew up in Franklin and draws on his childhood memories, transforming them into the subjects of his artwork. His unique technique, using acrylic paints and ink markers, captures bygone places and objects in a unique way. Peters likes to use bright colors to help create a nostalgic feel.
Peters joined the United States Marines after high school, serving the country from 1964 until 1972. He and his wife, Zelda, raised two children here in town. He ran his own business for years, Peters Radiator Shop in Franklin. When he was not working on a vehicle, he would gravitate towards his easel and paint. Sometimes he painted murals on vehicles. He likes to add a dog or fish in his paintings, because, he says, he likes dogs and fishing.
Peters does custom work. However, he especially likes to paint memories. His subjects? Old barns, vintage automobiles, local places, and buildings no longer here or since repurposed into different businesses. His paintings of Campbell’s Dog n Suds, The Big Cone, Brown’s Market, Wirey’s Texaco and others trigger the memories of many who purchase and appreciate his artwork.
“Dip in the Park” is one of his paintings. It features a car pulled into the stream of Province Park. At one point, prior to the 1970s, there was a paved entrance on each side of the creek, just west of the walkway bridge that connects both sides of the park. People would pull their vehicles down into the creek and wash their cars, bringing their own soap and towels. Peters recalls arriving in the park when he saw emergency vehicles near the makeshift car wash. A car was stranded midstream, the driver sitting atop his car as he had underestimated the depth of the creek and swiftness of the water.
The Artcraft Theatre prints are popular with his fans. He can change the marquee in those paintings with a favorite movie title, creating a customized piece. Christmas movie marquees sell well before the holiday season.
Peters recently had a successful show at the Johnson County Fair. They can often be found at local craft fairs and festivals. His prints are also available at Generation Art and Frame in downtown Franklin. Zelda helps with the administrative tasks associated with his business. In 2024 they published a calendar. Each month featured his artwork. They sold over 200 copies and plan to publish a calendar in 2025 as well.
Plans are underway to publish a book of his artwork. Alongside the prints of his popular artwork will be historical descriptions of each pictured building or site. When asked how long he plans to keep painting, he replied, “until I can’t.”
For more information on Tom Peters’ artwork or to order a calendar, go to tompetersart.com.
