Tom Prestopnik

Tom Prestopnik is a painter and mixed media artist whose large, vibrant acrylic paintings are designed to command attention and invite engagement. After exploring printmaking, collage, drawing, and photography, Prestopnik discovered that his most powerful mode of expression lies in bold, expansive canvases that draw viewers in with bright color and scale, then encourage interpretation through layered imagery and symbolism. His recent work often combines painted elements with collage, continuing his lifelong interest in visual storytelling and personal resonance.

A graduate of Buffalo State College and a 1960 alumnus of Little Falls High Schoo, Prestopnik has deep ties to both education and the arts. He taught art and music history for 31 years in Martin County, Florida public schools and at Indian River Community College (now Indian River State College), where he served as an adjunct professor. In recognition of his career and his continued volunteer work in arts education and advocacy after retirement in 2004, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Art Education Association.

Prestopnik's creative legacy includes a significant donation of 29 historic photographs of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition by C. D. Arnold, reflecting his enduring commitment to preserving and sharing art history. He currently resides in Florida, where his work continues to be exhibited. His solo show at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida features his signature tessellation collages, and his painting Letters to Theo was recently acquired by the museum for its permanent collection.