Tuesday, March 7, 2023

RIP Tim Lomas

By Maggie Dubris 


Tim Lomas, artist, musician, teacher, photographer and longtime East Village resident, died suddenly at home on Feb. 17.

In many ways, Tim was the quintessential East Villager, living in his top-floor apartment on Avenue B since the early 1980s. He had a plot in the 6th and B Garden, played at the Pyramid Club and 8BC with his band Mercury Mile, and walked his beloved Ginger in Tompkins Square Park. 

Tim’s art and ceramic work graces scores of apartments in the neighborhood, and the dinners he hosted sparked lifelong friendships, creating a tribe that spans borders and generations. 

Tim once said, “The greatest artwork you’ll ever make is the one you make with your life.” His life was truly a masterpiece. In addition to his songs, painting and ceramic work, and many collaborative creative projects, Tim was a talented teacher, serving for years as an inspiration to children at the Third Street Music School and the Ideal School.

In 2005, he traveled to Thailand to help in the tsunami relief effort, and there the seeds of his foundation, The Global Children’s Art Programme, were first sown. He went on to spend nearly every summer bringing the joy of art and creativity to underserved and traumatized children in Thailand, Greece, Turkey, and Cambodia. He worked with artists worldwide to create a network of local programs in Africa, India, and throughout Asia. 

Tim’s death sparked an outpouring of both grief and gratitude. Grief for the sudden loss of this precious spirit, and gratitude for his having touched and changed so many lives.

If you get a chance, walk by the 6th and B Garden, and look for the small plot filled with sculptures and outlined in twinkling lights. It’s one of Tim’s many contributions to the East Village that he loved.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

RIP. A beautiful tribute Maggie Dubris!

Anonymous said...

Tim was an a wonderful person and will be missed terribly. His quick wit,laughter and smiles are an enduring memory. Thank you for writing a beautiful tribute.

Jason said...

That was a beautifully written tribute. I've never met Time, but can tell how much of a loss his passing is.

Gina Bacon said...

Beautiful, Maggie.

EiLeen Doster said...

I am not sure if we will ever know the exact extent of Timothy Lomas's contribution to our village and the global village, but our forty-year friendship was truly a gift of a lifetime. Our life is our art, create by any means necessary and remember this..."It takes a Village, People!"

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh. So sorry to hear this. We knew Tim way back when at Third Street.

Anonymous said...

Tim gave love and joy wherever he went. Wonderful cousin and friend, gone too soon.

Anonymous said...

Tim will live in the hearts of all who knew him, love you my friend

Anonymous said...

We at 6th & B Community Garden will truly miss his happy go lucky spirit but his magical smile is firmly planted forever.

Shawn Chittle said...

Tim was one of my best friends, father to Ginger, the sweetest pup ever, and a fixture at Josie’s, our local bar. I spent hours with him each week and I am utterly heartbroken and devastated. He was one of the kindest and purest souls I’ve ever encountered. Also, he was hilarious.

Anonymous said...

RIP.my dearest and always in my heart.Your best friend from Thailand.

Don Barone said...

Tim was one of my son Alex’s pre school teachers at 3rd Street in the late 1990s. Tim was very kind to and patient with Alex, who was developmentally delayed. Sorry that we lost touch with Tim. He seems to have lived a wonderful life and I am sorry for those he was close to. Hug someone you love.

Sara said...

Thanks so much for these beautiful words.

Anonymous said...

A gracious and loving man full of kindness!!

Tim Milk said...

A beautiful tribute, Maggie, thank you... it's hard to say enough about Tim, and I'm still too stricken to offer a eulogy of my own.

Jill London said...

Thank you Maggie! Your words are lovely reminders of Tim’s universal goodness. Our village was so very lucky to have shared life with him. May we all step up and support his good deeds. Hopefully, he and Manuel can find more peace together.

Anonymous said...

I didn't know him but he sounds like a great guy. Sorry to his family and all of those who knew him.

Anonymous said...

This was beautiful. I had the privilege of working with Tim on GCAP, or GLOCAP, as it became later. He was always loving, kind, open, and accepting, and his love for children knew no bounds. He was a man that you could talk to about everything and anything, and you would walk away a better person for it. I am 4 hours away and my life feels emptier without him-I cannot imagine how a whole neighborhood must feel. My love and condolences to you all.

Claire L. said...

I'll always remember Tim's shining smile, his bright kindness, and his charming, calming personality. In my mind's eye, Tim is perched on a corner stool at Josie's with Ginger in his lap, paws on the bar; Tim is smiling, laughing, at peace.

Anonymous said...

"Grief and Gratitude..." So true. Like proverbial ripples in the energetic soup of our universe, Tim's presence and work will continue beyond his passing. Tim was here and also not here all along I think. He was firmly grounded in a larger universe while participating here with authenticity, compassion and playfulness. It is my experience that no understanding of greater realities can keep the heart from breaking when beloved people leave this world. So it's back to your original concept, Maggie, "Grief and Gratutude..." Thank you for this Remembrance.

Dan said...

sending love and strength to all that knew Tim

Leslie said...

Such a beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely way to remember your friend❤️

XTC said...

I think Lou Reed put the passing of loved ones the best- Magic and Loss. "There's a little bit of magic in everything/ And then some loss to even it out."

Brian Karl said...

Tim gave us all in the world so much. And still keeps on giving! No one affected my life more. Thanks so much for the loving, accurate and beautiful portrait, Maggie!

Paz said...

I imagine the East Village beyond the sky is giving Tim Lomas a fabulous celestial welcome - keep shining in our hearts ❤️💜💛

Hannah said...

Do we know of any gatherings or services that will be held in Tim's honor?

Anonymous said...

Thank you for you beautiful words Maggie. He was such an incredible soul. I miss him so much, it’s so difficult to accept his passing; he must have been needed somewhere else.
I love you sweet friend, save me a seat at the bar.❤️🐶

Anonymous said...

We are thinking the end of May at his garden, possibly Sunday 5/21. We will keep you posted!

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely tribute to such a beautiful man. I remain stunned but warmed from his love.

Noah Kelly said...

I had the privilege of working with Timothy at IDEAL & knowing him as a beautiful person outside of school as well. He encouraged and influenced so many people (children and adults, locally and globally); this is a tremendous loss- I am holding his close friends and family in the light.