Richard C.Thomas was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and moved to New Orleans at age two. By the time he was four, he knew he wanted to be an artist. Thomas is an internationally acclaimed muralist, educator, and mentor who birthed a distinct style of locally-inspired, Afrocentric artwork appropriately named "visual jazz." This signature styles exemplifies the culture and history made in Louisiana.

For decades, Thomas has advocated for the recognition of African American artists locally and throughout the nation, creating murals and official artwork, curating at local museums, advising and leading several art-driven organizations and programs, and mentoring and educating young artists at numerous schools in the Orleans Parish. He continues to instruct and mentor youth at Benjamin Franklin Elementary and Middle School.