Abandoned properties get a new life with his murals | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
DeMar Walker
November 29, 2023
If you have traveled around the city lately, the murals of Gabriel Jesus Thomas may have caught your attention.
Thomas’ artwork can be seen on abandoned storefronts on the city’s North and East sides. Some of them are located at the intersections of Holton and Locust streets, 35th Street and Villard Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Port Washington Road.
“Art is me. I do it all the time. It’s who I am. I’m always with my sketchbook,” said the Milwaukee native.
Inspired by his cousin who sketched ninjas as a kid, Thomas developed an interest in visual art around the age of 5. As a teenager, he started his own business, customizing shoes and T-shirts for his friends.
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Thomas quickly recognized the impact his passion had on those around him, so he decided to highlight positive images by creating murals. He estimated that he has about a dozen murals throughout the city.
He first began creating murals while living in Dallas in 2020. When he returned to Milwaukee later that year, Thomas felt the need to share his practice in areas on the North and East sides where he used to hang out during his younger years.
The images reflect people praying and playing instruments and include Bible verses and other messages of hope. Thomas considers the murals a part of his ministry.
“Everything I do is a reflection of the relationship that I have with God,” he said.
To learn more information aboutGabriel Jesus Thomas, you can visit his Instagram page.
DeMar Walker is the arts and culture reporter for Milwaukee NNS.