Francis Ehrlich Thomson III

Francis Ehrlich “Frank” Thomson III, 74, of Columbia, South Carolina, died on August 1, 2026. Born April 28, 1952, in Columbia, Frank was a son of the late Francis Ehrlich Thomson, Jr. and Anne Elizabeth Hallman Harmon.

Frank devoted much of his life to the arts—as an artist, curator, collector, educator, writer, and passionate advocate for the visual arts. His career reflected not only a deep knowledge of art, but also a genuine commitment to artists and to making the arts accessible and meaningful to the communities he served.

A graduate of A.C. Flora High School, Frank earned his bachelor’s degree in art from the University of South Carolina and later received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Florida. His extensive background in the arts also included studies and teaching in photography, art history, and museum studies at institutions including the University of South Carolina, the University of Florida, Converse College, UNC Asheville, Mars Hill College, and Wilkes Community College.

Prior to moving to Asheville, Frank served as executive director of the Wilkes Art Gallery in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and as director of the Upstairs ArtSpace in Tryon, North Carolina. In 1990, he became curator of the Asheville Art Museum, a position he held for approximately 25 years. Frank served for over a decade as Chairman of the Historic Resource Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County and for over 25 years as the Marshal of the annual NC Mountain State Fair Art Contest. During his distinguished tenure, Frank played an important role in organizing exhibitions, expanding the Museum and its collections from the basement of Thomas Wolfe Auditorium to Pack Place and supporting its continued growth, supporting artists and community collaborations.

Beyond his curatorial work, Frank was an accomplished writer and educator. From 1990 until 1996, he wrote for the Asheville Citizen-Times and also contributed to Art Papers, The Arts Journal, Art Vu, The New Art Examiner, and numerous exhibition catalogs. His knowledge and experience also made him a respected juror for art exhibitions. He approached that responsibility with the same thoughtfulness that characterized his career, valuing craftsmanship, skill, imagination, and the individual voice of the artist.

Frank’s influence extended well beyond the walls of any single museum or gallery. Through decades spent curating, teaching, writing, and encouraging artists, he contributed meaningfully to the cultural life of North and South Carolina and helped foster a greater appreciation for the visual arts.

Frank is survived by his brothers, David H. Thomson of Columbia, South Carolina, and T. Keith Thomson of Asheville, North Carolina, as well as extended family, friends, colleagues, artists, and members of the arts community whose lives were enriched by his work and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, or to the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, 645 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, NC 28719.

A memorial service to honor Frank’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced by Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel.