Quadriplegic Artist Marcus C. Thomas Takes to the Skies

Roanoke, VA, September 28, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The artist Marcus C. Thomas is no stranger to wings and the thrill of flight. He has delighted audiences with his realistic and magical depictions of birds and wildlife for 25 years. Paralyzed from the neck down in a skiing accident 25 years ago, his soaring flights have largely been metaphorical. But on Saturday, September 29th, he will launch into the skies above New Castle, Virginia in a sailplane piloted by Matt Broughton, a friend who has known the artist since high school.

Confined to a wheelchair since 1986, art and imagination free Mr. Thomas from the limits of his physical condition. This actual flight, in a two-seater sailplane which mimics the gliding flight of the raptors Mr. Thomas paints, will celebrate the completion of the 25-year retrospective coffee table art-book, Flight of the Mind: A Painter's Journey through Paralysis (http://www.marcusthomasartist.com). The book, written by Leslee Johnson of Quicksilver Writing, chronicles Mr. Thomas' life and work in narrative prose and images, and includes over 200 full color images of his paintings, which have won awards and acclaim across the country. The book depicts Mr. Thomas' daily flights into the realm of creativity through art, taking risks and embracing a love of life that transcends all boundaries.

Marcus C. Thomas, who has flown over mysterious and lovely countries in his imagination for so long, will take to the skies over the familiar mountains of the Shenandoah Valley from the New Castle International Airport [(703) 864-5800] on Saturday, September 29th at 11am. Anne Thomas (tel:828-712-9134), the artist's wife, will be earthbound, watching and cheering as he takes flight.