Artist and rail enthusiast J. Craig Thorpe will be joining our pre-series webinar!

For over 30 years, Thorpe has managed to blend his two passions, art and locomotives, into a career. While creating artwork for Amtrak, steam train lines, rail museums, and commercial freight rail lines, Thorpe has toured all over North America chasing trains and riding the rails. In order to find the spark of inspiration for his next work of art, Thorpe has ridden in passenger cars, private rail cars, and on steam trains while making deep connections within these rail institutions.

From those whose livelihood depend on these trains, to volunteers and institutions dedicated to preserving them for future generations, and even in dividuals charged with legislating and funding North American rails, Thorpe has invested in these communities and even written a book about the role of trains in the building of America. By writing about trains–past, present, and possible future–Thorpe has infused his passion for trains with his own stories of how these locomotives have impacted his life.

Thorpe’s book will be available later this year, and we are so excited to have him join our discussion.