Thomas Block retired as an art educator in coastal Maine after 37 years to pursue a career as an artist/illustrator.

He was named “Art Educator of the Year” in 2001. His recent books include “Togus: A Coon Cat Finds a Home” by News Center 6 Don Carrigan and “Baxter in the Blaine House” by former Blaine House director Paula Benoit.

Block has illustrated several young adult novels including “Patch Scratching” by Steven Powell, “The Black Ledge” series, “Star of Wonder” by Paige W. Pendleton, and 2014 National Indie Publishing award winner “Retsbol Rises” by Jayne Jones.

Block also creates fine art pieces in tempera resist, egg tempera, watercolor and a variety of drawing mediums. He has exhibited at many local venues such as River Arts Gallery, BRAF, Pemaquid Art Gallery, Maine Art Gallery, USM Art Gallery as well as Trinity College and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Block was voted “Midcoast Artist of the Year” in 2014. He lives and works by the sea in Midcoast Maine.

Block is the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library November Artist of the Month. All are welcome to visit his display Tuesday through Saturday during library hours. The library is located at 4 Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor.

For more on Thomas Block, visit www.theblankcanvasstudio.com.

Follow this link to read the 2014 artist of the year article: http://www.boothbayregister.com/article/x/36225