A Father and Daughter's Landscape Passages July 17, 2008

Father, Thomas C. Nicholas, Jr., and daughter, Susan Nicholas Gephart, have inspired each other as creative spirits for a lifetime. Memories from family travels, diverse musical interests of five brothers, and growing up in an old farmhouse nestled in the woods, helped Susan develop an appreciation for adventure, discovery, and the environment. During the past 23 years, she has successfully raised three children, while simultaneously balancing an art career and ongoing volunteer contributions to her community. Susan was inducted into the MCCC Alumni Hall of Fame in October, 2007. In honor of her father, Susan kept his name in hopes of someday encouraging his artistic talent. In the mid '80s, after Tom's retirement from 43 years at Philadelphia Electric Company, they began to paint and exhibit together. Tom attributes his success to his background as a draftsman, years of self-study, and valuable advice in pastel painting and composition given by his daughter.