Join the Legacy at STMA

Support Steffen Thomas Museum of Art -- Your Gift Will Be Matched!

This Georgia Gives will be a special one for us at STMA. In honor of our 30-year anniversary in 2027, an anonymous donor is gifting us a Matching Grant, matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $300,000 (through the end of 2027). That means a $25 gift becomes $50. A $100 gift becomes $200. And together, our supporters have the opportunity to turn $300,000 in donations into $600,000. But we need your help to make the most of this opportunity. 

Help us reach that first $100,000 when you help us raise $50,000.

For nearly thirty years, Steffen Thomas Museum of Art (STMA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has preserved the legacy of the German American artist for which it is named while providing exhibitions, educational programs, and arts experiences for students, adults, other artists, and the broader community.

Why is STMA so special? STMA is one of only fourteen single-artist museums in the nation. Steffen Thomas was a German immigrant and sculptor whose public works include the Trilon in Atlanta and the bust of George Washington Carver at Tuskegee University. The breadth of creativity expressed in works created purely for the gratification of art is breathtaking. He excelled at mosaics, paintings, block prints, etchings, sculpture, and other media. His work reflects not only artistic versatility but also a deeply held belief in our shared humanity.

Steffen Thomas's philosophy of the Brotherhood of Mankind - that we are a family of universal commonalities - informs all that we do. In Steffen's own words, "This world is too small for less than brotherhood, too dangerous for less than truth."  

Our exhibitions showcase underrepresented groups, particularly emerging artists, providing visibility and validation for individuals whose artistic voices might go unheard. With the museum's commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment--expressed in its longstanding message from Steffen Thomas "to all strangers and friends, you are welcome here" -- these efforts create a culturally open space where underserved audiences feel represented, valued, and included. 

After Steffen Thomas's death, his wife and muse, Sara, founded the museum thus ensuring his legacy would not be forgotten. Today, Thomas's belief in the power of art is shared with a new generation. STMA provides tours and educational opportunities for students from surrounding counties and beyond. Its rotating gallery presents exhibitions by a variety of artists, including artists from marginalized communities. STMA has also created opportunities for college students to exhibit their work in this internationally recognized museum. In 2023, a documentary on Steffen Thomas's work debuted on GPB and was later shown in Germany. From classes and lectures, writing workshops to spoken word events, STMA continues to find new ways to make art accessible, engaging, and meaningful.  

Help us preserve the past and shape the future when you donate to DOUBLE your gift today. Thank you for supporting the arts and art education at the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art.

How You Can Help

Donate: Every contribution helps preserve the collection, sustain the museum, and allows us to continue to enrich the region through events, exhibitions, and outreach. Plus, every dollar will be matched--doubling the impact of your gift!

Share: Share this campaign with anyone who appreciates the arts, community outreach, and student education! This is a simple way to help us tremendously!

Visit Us: Come experience the magic in person at Steffen Thomas Museum of Art.

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact. Help us preserve the legacy for years to come!