Thomas Matthew Suomalainen

Thomas "Tom" Matthew Suomalainen, age 86, of Walnut Cove passed away December 7, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer at The Randolph Hospice House. He was born July 11, 1939 in Floodwood, Minnesota the son of the late John Suomalainen and Bertha Luoma Suomalainen. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Suomalainen.

Tom a talented craftsman and ceramics artist was referred to by Rick Mashburn in an article as "An artist who seeks inspiration for every aspect of his personal life. One who demands constant growth within himself and his work. His clay forms bear witness to the quality within their creator. They speak not only of Suomalainen's perceptive powers but his sense of proportion and grace, and the skill of his hands. They tell us also about his courage." He drew inspiration for his work from cultures abroad, the natural world around him and a love of nature. His relationships fostered a physical creation manifested into art. He not only created but taught others to be brave and create their own masterpiece. He imparted wisdom when working with students at the NC Governor's School, Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the Sawtooth Center for Visual Design and many others. His collections were exhibited in numerous galleries both solo and group. He achieved awards for his work such as the North Carolina Prize in 1984 and Artist of the Year with the Sawtooth Center of Visual Design in 1988. With the final surviving founding member of the Piedmont Craftsman, the passing of Tom is the end of an era in ceramic arts.

Tending to his garden brought him peace, where he was able to cultivate both an array of flowers and vegetables. He delighted in watching the birds and canning the vegetables grown. Tom loved to watch the world from his porch at his home in Beaufort, NC and created an oasis in the woods with his self-built cabin in Stokes County. There he had a studio for his expression and a place to retreat from the world. Like the Shinto belief that encompassed his work, that everything has spirit, his now has been released into the cosmos of the great creator.

Left to cherish his memory are his partner of 45 years, Michael O'Brien; niece, Cynthia Suomalainen Sher; nephews, Gerard Suomalainen, James Suomalainen and John Suomalainen; the O'Brien family; the Robert Kopf family; special friends, Nancy Dubois and Renee Compton; and a host of other beloved family and close friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held privately at a later date.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Randolph County for their compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph County, Penland School of Crafts of Penland, NC, and Piedmont Craftsman of Winston Salem to assist the academic studies of future artists.