Pamela Thomas
Adjunct Lecturer in Religion and the Arts
Office phone: (925) 631-8019
E-mail:
B.S., Eastern New Mexico University; M.A., Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology
We pray best before beauty. ~ St. Francis de Sales
Pam specializes in images of Mary. Whether it is from scripture, apocryphal writings, local customs, poetry, traditional celebrations, Pam shows her students what was the inspiration for the images and presents the images within a historical context. She also looks at the historical impact the images have had on institutions and culture and brings in contemporary writings regarding the images so that her students have a comprehensive understanding about the visions of Mary. She teaches her students to walk away with an appreciation to take the time to see art. She emphasizes that there is much information and inspiration to be gained in the subtle details. Pam sees paintings as visual prayers. By informing students to see the beauty in paintings, Pam helps to enhance their prayer and spiritual life.
The courses Pam Thomas teaches are:
- A Vision of Mary
- Spirituality, Art & Mary
Her other academic interests include film and video.
Pam Thomas is currently working on two projects. The first is an article Interpretation of the Winged Figure from a Marian Prospective, to be included in an anthology edited by Professor Doug Adams (P.S.R.), a collection of essays about the winged figure in the GTU library. The other is a collaborative effort with a PhD student, a journal workbook to accompany her Marian survey course.
Pam Thomas spends most of her time teaching at Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology and at St. Mary's College in Moraga. She also travels, giving lectures on the images of Mary.
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