"BIOGRAPHY"

THOMAS DELLAPENNA

Born in 1971 in the “Motor CIty”, Thomas Dellapenna has been developing and perfecting his passion for creativity since his early childhood years.

From 1991-1995, Dellapenna studied a broad range of fine art and design technique at the Center for Creative Studies, College of Art and Design in Detroit , Michigan. By his third year in college he was already working as a product designer and illustrator for Zen Design Group. By the following year, Thomas was working as an illustrator for Young and Rubicam, Wunderman Cato Johnson. He worked on multiple Illustration projects for Ford Motor Company. His work as an Illustrator and designer in Detroit lead him to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked as a scenic artist, designer, and story board artist. Dellapenna worked on several projects for the Geoffrey Ballet as the lead artist on the production of “Lips”, and restoration work on backdrops originally designed by Picasso.

For the next twelve years Thomas lived a creative life in Philadelphia, where he has collaborated with various scenic studios and theatrical production companies.. His talent has provided him with work as a sculptor, scenic artist, carpenter and designer for clients such as Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Opera, Andy Warhol Museum, MTV Real World Philadelphia, Hollywood Casino, Curtis Opera, Miss New Jersey Pageant, James Beard Awards, QVC, Rosie OʼDonnell Show, Nike, Campbells, Nortel Networks, Calvin Klein, Mobil, Capital One, Kratt Brothers, Kraft, MCI, Smith Kline Beecham, Anthropologie, along with many others. .... A project for Theatre Double Repertory Company earned him a review in The New York Times, and The Village Voice for his Set Design of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enough.”

For many years, Thomas has been an open air painter in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. This is where he met Pop Artist Perry Milou. Together they opened five art galleries. He was actively involved with numerous galleries and became a partner in Galleria 1903, as well as Milou / Dellapenna Gallery.

In May of 2008, Thomas moved to Miami, where he was the artist in residence at the Milou Gallery in the Wynwood Art District. He was also the Co-Director of the gallery. In December of 2008 Dellapenna launched his new Energy series for Art Basel Miami.

In the Summer of 2009, Thomas was commissioned to produce four career defining pieces for the Villanova University School of Law Permanent Art Collection. Designed as a public museum , Dellapennaʼs work may be viewed for generations to come.

In May of 2011, Thomas became a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Union, IATSE Local 477. This has opened the doors to many exciting projects. He has worked as a Scenic Artist and Set Painter for Film and Television. Projects including: Paramount Pictures “PAIN AND GAIN”, USA Network “BURN NOTICE”, STARZ Network “MAGIC CITY”, ABC Network “CHARLIEʼS ANGELS”....... As well as numerous freelance side projects including The Official Music Video “FADED” for the rap artist TYGA featuring LIL WAYNE...

In the Fall of 2012, Thomas relocated his talents to Munich, Germany. In 2013 Thomas returned to his freelance career as a Scenic Artist For Film and Television. Working in Munich under the company name Dellapenna Bühnenmaler, Thomas has worked on over 50 Projects including such Feature Films as..." Eddie the Eagle","Fack Ju Göhte 2","Bullyparade", "Unfriend", Rico, Oskar und das Herzgebreche" as well as many other Film and Television Projects.