"With sawdust in his beard" -
More About Fred Thompson,
Other works and where you can find them.
Fred was elected into the National Institute of American Doll Artists in 1970 and remained in that organization until 1979. In 1976, the U.F.D.C National Convention was held in San Francisco. The theme was to be "The Four Freedoms". Fred choose "Freedom of Religion" and started work on the thirteen figures of the "Last Supper". Fred stated, "it was not difficult to choose "Freedom of Religion" since we are, with few exceptions, on common ground in this area and he felt it was a prelude for the most important happening ever.
Each piece was purchased at the convention, site unseen, by Jo and Becky Balfour of Monroe, Louisiana and is housed in Rebecca's Dollhouse Museum.
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As a result of this showing, Georgette Cravey of Modesto, California commissioned Fred to commence work on another wood carving of "The Last Supper". This commission began in November 1976 and was eventually to include additional religious carvings of 24" articulated wood carved figures of the "Crucifixion" (27 figures), the single figure of "Gethsemene" and "Moses and the Ten Commandments". His work remains on display at Georgettes Museum, 400 I street, Suite 5, Modesto, Ca. 95351, Open by Appointment, (209) 527-5573 or (209) 526-9336
In an article about Fred, Rose Dembowski says; "This work is so strikingly profound that even a non-believer cannot withhold a wave of sympathy for the Man on the cross".
The work spanned 14 years, with Fred taking time to work on other projects for diversity. Fred spent 13 months painting the mural for the background of the "Crucifixion".
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 His carving work, other than dolls and people figures, encompass carousel animals and carousel round-a-bout housings, birds (water foul and prey) and gemstone carvings. Although his primary pieces are in wood, he also produces limited-edition porcelain pieces.
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