Thomas Kirk Melvin was born in New York City in 1952 and lived in Tokyo, Japan, from 1961 to 1964. He received a BA degree in Sculpture and Performance Art from Bennington College in Vermont in 1975. Except for a short stint as a "gandy dancer" for the Rocky Mountain East Division of the Burlington Northern Railroad, he employed himself as a sign painter and muralist before settling with his wife Nancy in Chicago. There, he found work painting theatrical scenery and executing the giant architectural illusions of his former graphic arts teacher, Richard Haas. Soon thereafter, the Thomas Melvin Painting Studio was established. The 3,000 square foot studio is a short walk from the bungalow his family calls home.

The Thomas Melvin Painting Studio specializes in the design and execution of original murals and all manner of decorative painting.

Our 33 years in business include murals and signage for commercial and residential customers, and projects for museums, schools, and public bodies. In addition, we design and execute a variety of wall treatments including wallpaper, stenciling, gilding, Lazure, and faux finishing.