Thomas Agran

Born in Kentucky, raised in Ohio, and currently residing in Iowa City, Iowa, Thomas Agran is interested in the Midwest — for both its charms as well as its challenges. He is particularly dedicated to the Midwestern landscape, its total transformation through agriculture, and the political, social, and environmental consequences of that change. Some of his paintings also explore the complicated nexus of food, agriculture, nostalgia, and marketing. Working from observation is a part of Agran’s regular studio practice and informs his work directly.

Agran has taught painting and drawing at the university level since 2011 and worked for 3 years as the Director of Public Art for the Iowa City Downtown District. In addition to his studio work, Agran has designed, executed, managed, and mentored over 50 mural projects – from private commissions to large municipal scale work in historically sensitive areas to community engaged and participatory mural and public art projects. In addition to his studio practice, mural work, and teaching, he also works as a consultant for murals and other public art projects and programs. Agran’s mural work focuses on bringing the human touch into the built environment in ways that are sensitive to urban context, natural environment, and community.