Reji Thomas is a celebrated Austin artist whose work spans glass, mixed media, and large-scale public commissions.

Her acclaimed pieces are held in public spaces and private collections around the world, with an impressive client list that includes the Texas State Capitol, the Democratic National Convention, Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan, B.B. King, The University of Texas, Trinity University, the Black Arts Alliance, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Medical Association, Dell Computers, Austin Community College, The Brackenridge Foundation, St. Edward’s University, Ronald McDonald House of Austin, Steven Spielberg, the Four Seasons Hotel, Concordia College, the Human Rights Commission, Holy Angels Catholic Church, the City of Austin Mayor’s Office, and the Texas Governor’s Office. Her work is also part of the collections of Mexico’s former president Carlos Salinas and Queen Elizabeth II of England.

Her thought-provoking exhibition Ascension was featured at the George Washington Carver Museum in Austin from October 2017 to February 2018. Beyond her own practice, Thomas has been a cornerstone of Austin’s arts scene for decades. From 1979 to 2014, she opened the doors of her studio, Pine Street Station, to the community—showcasing the work of hundreds of fellow artists as one of the original participants in the East Austin Studio Tour.

Pine Street Station became an Eastside hub for art, music, literature, and community life. Thomas helped bring SXSW to the Eastside by hosting the Fader Fort at Pine Street, which featured artists such as Kanye West and Amy Winehouse, alongside Austin musicians Ponty Bone, Lee Edwards, and Claudia Voyles. The HOPE Farmers Market launched there and operated for its first four years. Pine Street also hosted Queerbomb’s annual celebration as well as numerous benefits and fundraisers for organizations including Austin City Limits, the Graphic Glass Hot Glass Studio, the Pine Street Christmas Market, and Radio Taboo. Literary events at Pine Street featured readings by Diane Wilson, Lee Meitzen Grue, John Domini, Alysa Hayes, and Lowell Mick White, and it became the birthplace of both the Alamo Bay Writers’ Workshop and Alamo Bay Press.

Through her art and her stewardship of creative spaces, Reji Thomas has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of Austin, leaving a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and community spirit.