Artist and humanitarian Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk strives to form alliances to bring the world closer together philosophically and environmentally by celebrating diversity and promoting collaboration.
Inspired by the philanthropy and activism of her family and father, the late John Philp Thompson, Sr., the longtime CEO of 7-11 Corporation, Mary Ann's humanitarian focus is an extension of their community involvement and stand against prejudice. By the age of 27 her grandfather, Joe C. Thompson, had served on three City Councils, (Dallas, Highland Park and Oak Cliff).
And at a time of civil injustice, he helped lead the charge to integrate The State Fair of Texas. "My father followed suit in the '90's as Head of The State Fair when in spite of threats, he refused to ban the Gay Pride Parade because he saw it as a similar discrimination," Mary Ann says. "He later marched in the parade to demonstrate his stand against prejudice."
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...At age 25, Mary Ann joined Sanctuary For Life as its first Vice-President. Soon afterwards, Mary Ann founded the Memnosyne Speaker Series through the organization. "Named after the Greek Goddess of knowledge and memory, and the mother of the nine muses, Memnosyne was created for people to exchange spiritual, philosophical, scientific, and cultural knowledge leading to the recognition of the humanity everyone shares," Mary Ann explains, "While the focus on globalization is how it will affect the world economy, few are discussing how else it will affect humanity. We can choose to let it evolve randomly, or we can choose to collaborate and become conscious cultural creators of humanity's future,"
The first event, held this past summer (2005) at the Dallas Arboretum, brought together over 40 spiritual leaders from western, eastern, indigenous, and new age traditions. They discussed the spiritual and physical human experience, the commonality of beliefs, the environment, and how mankind can establish harmonious goals to progress in unity while respecting valuable differences.
The event led for Memnosyne to take flight as its own foundation and enfold the entire scope of Mary Ann's original vision. "If we are to discover how we can benefit from living together in a compassionate world, we need to build bridges between experts of different fields as much as between cultures or religions," she says. "The Speaker Series is just the beginning of The Memnosyne vision, where campuses located worldwide will be dedicated to building those bridges."
Although Memnosyne is the most important cause for Mary Ann, she is also a professional artist, having recently recieved ARTV's "Muse" Award for Sculptor of The Year.
(ARTV is the first nationally televised red carpet awards and will be televised this year - 2006) And her company, Thompson Fine Arts, Inc. was nominated for The North Texas Businesses Committee For The Arts's prestigious Obelisk Award for donating gallery space to the Visual Arts Coalition of Dallas, which represents over 7,500 visual artists, and where she serves as Chair of The Advisory Board. Mary Ann has served on 14 different nonprofit boards, (both in the USA and international), and with her husband, Joshua Raymond Frenk, has sponsored many programs promoting human rights, the arts, and a clean environment.
(Her multi-talented "team" in these endeavors consists of her husband, film director, Joshua R. Frenk, her asistant, event planner and designer, Alan Keith, and Memnosyne Executive Director, Coke Buchanan and his asistant, Anthony Chisom, as well as many more incredible volunteers.) They have collaborated with cultures around the world and will travel to Rwanda and Tanzania this spring (May 2006) with Heiffer International, whose mission is caring for the earth and ending world hunger and poverty.
"Dad (John Philp Thompson, Sr.) was always turning negatives into positives, so as a tribute to his life and his battle with brain cancer, my husband and I launched The John Philp Thompson Foundation to support research for
non-chemotherapy/non-radiation healing and cures for glioblastoma. Our first donation went to Duke University's Brain Tumor Center'sImmunothearapy Program. It was an incredible feeling to help. Somewhere, dad was smiling!"
Mary Ann continues, "Ricardo Cervantes, a Toltec Shaman at Teotihuacan and influential teacher in my life, told me to be a seed planter for others to benefit from, leaving it up to them to decide if they want to make those seeds grow. My life's purpose is giving others that chance."
About Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk
Article & Photo excerpted from:
Artist
Writer
Public Speaking
Philanthropist
Designer
Metaphysics
Events
A foodie's review:
Joshua Frenk has the best taste in restaurants from five star to out of the way secrets all around the globe...click his photo to see what he recomends!
A juggler's view:
No one can do it alone...Alan Keith helps Mary Ann to coordinate her many projects. From large galas to fashion shows to theater performances to dinners to public speaking, and more, he has helped Mary Ann coordinate it all! Click his photo to learn some of the tricks he uses to make sure events big and small go smoothly!
Fun suggestions and helpful hints:
.Click here to go to Thompson Fine Arts, Inc.
"The easiest job in the world is to be that of a critic. This world owes you nothing. But we owe it to each other and to ourselves to make this world a better place. Too many people stand by the sidelines and say...somebody should fix this or that...but you be different. You be the one to fix it. Make the conscious choice to improve the world in which you live. This is not always the easiest path...but it is the most rewarding one."
~ John Philp Thompson, Sr. ~
1925-2003
"Many people come here to Teotihuacan, and ask me many questions about their life, The Great Spirit, or what I think. But I tell you what I tell them. Be humble. Because when you're humble, you listen, and when you listen you learn about everything that's important in this sacred place. And when a place like this reminds you about what's sacred in life, you will take that back with you, and you will share that knowledge with everyone because you will live that way naturally. I tell you, when that happens, plant the seeds, give people the chance to see what you offer from your heart. But then, be humble enough to step back and let them decide if they want those seeds to grow."
~ Thanuizcalpantecotti ~
~ Ricardo Cervantes Cervantes ~
Dear friends,
Quite a few years ago I started my first webpage, and my business, Thompson Fine Arts, Inc., from an office at home. Today, that business has grown, and so have my personal adventures, to the point that my adventures as a philanthropist and activist required a web page of their own. As this is a personal web page, please know that the opinions here are not necessarily shared by any of the organizations or causes I currently serve.My art is an intricate part of my life, so you will see photos here, but if you are looking for information relating to Thompson Fine Arts, Inc., (such as scheduling shows, placing orders, etc.), please click the photograph at left, or contact us at (214)239-0890.
Stay Inspired!
Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk
Click the picture above to learn more about
Mary Ann's philanthropic endeavors!
"Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk is a prolific artist, writer and social activist!"- WomanMade Art Gallery
"Mary Ann is a visionary woman, artist, speaker, and educator!" - Frank MacEowen (Author)
“Mary Ann is a very special person, and I wish her the best in her art career and in her community service. I know she will do great things."- Dr. Suzanne Ahn (Friend & Scientist) 1952 - June 22, 2003
“With that family initialed gate, (she was brought through after her adoption to her new home), as her company logo, and turning 28 later this year, Mary Ann has accomplished more than most people twice her age. She may come to you at some point in your life and tap you to be another person using your life and talents for the greater good of the Universe. Know she is your inspiration, recognize it and open your mind. It could be what you were born for. She (is) opening worlds and opening minds. She opened mine.”
Anthony Chisom
President & Owner of Anthony Chisom Interiors
Click here to read submitted comments.
"We live in a time when there is so much distrust between those different from ourselves. Racism, religious intolerance, homophobia - all (of which are) symptoms of a lack of vision. I pray for the day we will be judged not by our skin color, gender, what gender we choose to make love to, or how we praise God, but by our integrity and contribution to our fellow man."
~ Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk
The Dallas Morning News
January 8th, 2006
Tune in or TIVO to BRAVO-TV Network
Wednesday, March 28th, 2007 at 8:00am
to watch Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk recieve The "Muse Award" for achievement and excellence on ARTV's national stage!
