Bob Thoresen is an abstract and mixed media artist. He uses a variety of materials—found objects, cloth, metal, paper as well as acrylics, multiple textures, and bold colors to create works that have visual and emotional impact. Many of his works are infused with commentary about social, political, and environmental issues facing society. His most recent show, “Buried in Trash: Plastic is Poison for our Planet” received wide acclaim and has been converted to a traveling show and has been  touring around the region.

Thoresen is a juried member of the NH Art Association. He has served as a juror and curator of many art shows and historical exhibits in multiple venues. He was part of a team that created the Artist Advancement Grant for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Since its creation, he served as a juror many times to select the recipient of the annual $25,000 grant.

Thoresen has been widely involved in the Portsmouth community for over 50 years and has been a leader and generous  supporter in many arts organizations during that time. He served as President of the NH Art Association from 2005 to 2009. He was recently selected as Co-Chair of the City of Portsmouth’s Public Art Review Committee. He has served in leadership capacities in some twenty local, state, national non-profit organizations.

He has received many honors over his long career including an Honorary member of the NH Chapter of the American Institute of  Architects, a Planning Journalism Award, Design Excellence Award, and a Fellowship and project award from National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.