Our Story

We are a family that has blossomed through life's unexpected twists and turns but brought together under God's plan. Each of us has been gifted with our own set of skills and talents that we use for the glory of God. If we've learned anything over the past couple of years, it's that one action can lead to an avalanche of change, even if that change is completely out of our control. We hope our story resonates with you as you learn more about our family.  

Tony was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1969, where he demonstrated an interest in drawing and painting in his early childhood. He received his initial art education at the age of 12. He worked in numerous mediums and explored traditional drawing and painting techniques. During his teens, he exhibited his work in area art shows and galleries in southeast Iowa. 

He attended Iowa Wesleyan University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Commercial Art. He also completed a Master's Degree in Art Education at the University of Florida while living in Managua, Nicaragua. He served there as a missionary teacher for five years. Currently residing in West Monroe, Louisiana, he spends his days painting and perfecting Louisiana recipes. Tony owns and operates Tony Thomas Art and is a founding member of Courtyard on Cotton Gallery in West Monroe, Louisiana. 

Phyllis was born in Ruston, Louisiana, in 1975, where she excelled in school, loved to read, and attended church on her own. Phyllis had many ups and downs in her childhood and teen years until she found a family to live with and attended church with at the age of 14. At age 17, Phyllis moved to Missouri to be near her brother, sister, and new boyfriend, Tony. She finished high school, and she and Tony were married two weeks later. Tony and Phyllis have two children, Grant and Joel. Phyllis was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest, Joel, started Kindergarten. Back in Missouri, Phyllis attended Crowder College and earned her nursing degree. While in Managua, Nicaragua, Phyllis served as a missionary nurse and teacher. She also earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Phyllis completed her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University in 2024. She is a family therapist at the Center for Children and Families in Monroe, Louisiana, and is passionate about serving people with mental illness and those struggling from past trauma. She's picked up painting as a form of self-care and to spend some quality time with Tony in the studio. She is a cooperative artist at Courtyard on Cotton Gallery in West Monroe, Louisiana. 

Phyllis learned that her biological father was the Duck Dynasty star and Duck Commander Phil Robertson in late 2019.  Phyllis reads every day and spends time listening to worship music and painting.

Tony and Phyllis operate a short-term rental in St. Louis, where they stay as often as possible to visit Grant, Julie, Theo, and Harry. 

Grant and Julie- After meeting at Missouri State University, Grant and Julie moved to St. Louis where they have started their careers. Grant and Julie have made St. Louis their home, but you are more likely to find them on a camping trip or hike. Inspired by the world around them, Grant and Julie like to spend more time in the outdoors than stuck behind a screen. Theo joined the family in 2022 as the first grandbaby and first nephew. Little Theo is a happy, healthy, and thriving little boy who brings joy to our family! Baby Harry came along in 2024. He is the smiliest and most photogenic family member!

Joel and Kendall- They started as two crazy kids claiming to just be friends, but love didn't take long to bring them together for a lifetime. Opposites truly did attract when it came to their marriage. Joel is the quiet, rolling stone, while Kendall is the middle-of-the-dance floor, planning type. They fill in each other's gaps with two completely different backgrounds to share. They met and married in Missouri, then moved to Monroe, Louisiana. Joel is the Facilities Manager for Christ Church, Kendall is the Property Manager for Logtown Estate, and the Administrative Assistant for our family business, Tony Thomas Art.  

Well, that's us! Thanks for stopping by!