Tom Herzberg Paints Live at Industrial Treasures — Saturday May 23rd

On Saturday May 23rd, Chicago artist and illustrator Tom Herzberg will be painting live at Industrial Treasures during the St. Charles Fine Art Show. The demonstration runs from 1 to 5PM and is free and open to everyone.

Tom arrives with a concept in mind. Then, in front of whoever gathers around the drafting board, the watercolor begins. He talks through every decision as he works, answers questions, and engages with everyone in the room. It is the same format he used teaching illustration and watercolor at the American Academy of Art in Chicago for 16 years. Former students have been coming back for every event — and if you have never watched a serious artist work in person, this is worth the trip.

Who is Tom Herzberg?

Tom Herzberg is a Chicago-based fine artist, illustrator, and educator whose commercial work spans thousands of commissions over a career spanning decades. His illustrations have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, Playboy, the Field Museum of Natural History, Advertising Age, World Book, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Goodman Theatre, among many others.

His work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, included in multiple Print's Regional Design Annuals, and honored with awards from the Art Directors Club. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art. His work is held in the permanent collections of the United States Air Force, BMW, Chicago Title and Trust, and Crain Communications.

From 2000 to 2016 he served as full time instructor and fine art department chair at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, teaching illustration, drawing, and watercolor painting. He is a Signature Member of both the American Watercolor Society and the Illinois Watercolor Society.

His Fine Art

His fine art tells a different story from his commercial work. Fantastical, narrative-driven, and deeply detailed, his watercolors and acrylics build entire imagined worlds populated by strange, compelling characters caught in moments that resist easy explanation. Hi-Fructose Magazine described his work as absorbing — the kind of art you scan for answers and keep finding new questions.

One of his best known and best selling images is Franklin's Tower — inspired by the 1975 Grateful Dead song written by Robert Hunter. The song describes a mysterious tower where a bell hangs that can turn night into day and guide lost souls who hear it ring. Look at the painting and you will understand exactly why that song was the inspiration.

In the Store

Tom has painted live at Industrial Treasures twice before. This is his third demonstration here. His prints and originals are available in the store now, with prints starting at $85.

We are proud to carry his work and proud to call him a friend.

Saturday May 23rd, 1–5PM Industrial Treasures 1501 Indiana Ave., Unit 1A St. Charles, IL 60174

Free to attend. No registration required. Come during the St. Charles Fine Art Show and make a full day of it.