What we cared about in 2022

It is that time of year where we reflect on our past so as to reassess and take stock of our future. When we expend resources (time, energy, attention, money), we are expressing, even if only indirectly) what it is that we value. As we wind down for the end of 2022, Tom of Finland Foundation takes a look at that which our followers on various platforms valued with their focus.

Legacy

In October, Albert Schunk’s estate bequeathed two original Tom of Finland drawings to the Foundation. Our community, in turn, responded with praise and gratitude.

Recovery

This summer, Pete Finland began treatment for stage 3 colorectal cancer. The response was, and still is, helpful in getting Pete the support that he needs to beat this disease. But there is still more to be done.

Leadership

For World AIDS Day, we shared an anecdote of Tom of Finland struggling during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the impact it had on his artwork. Ultimately, Tom acted as an agent of change in the community to advocate condom use.

Growth

This past spring saw the largest exhibition of work from the Tom of Finland Foundation permanent collection. Underwritten by Diesel, AllTogether opened in Paris and Venice alongside a Pride capsule collection created and released by the fashion brand.

Reflection

We began the year with a message of hope and optimism for the year ahead. Looking back, it is quite a coincidence that this should end up on our ‘year in review’.

Unity

Daddy’s Day saw the biggest TOM’s Bar fundraiser in the Foundation’s history. The theme was “Tom Unites”, and nearly one thousand of TOM’s Men showed up to celebrate.

Support for artists

The rapidly changing pace of technology creates unprecedented challenges for working artists. Marc DeBauch and Paul Richmond spoke about the creep of artificial intelligence into the art world and how their work is being used without their permission. 

Art offerings

Former Tom of Finland Foundation Artist-in-Residence Rinaldo Hopf returned to TOM House to complete a long-gestating mural project. November saw the unveiling of Rinaldo’s mural alongside readings from the “Tom of Finland Foundation Special Edition” of My Gay Eye.

Foundation programming

Our monthly life drawing sessions at TOM House are always popular. Who doesn’t enjoy handsome, scantily clad models? But what you really showed this year was your support for Tom of Finland Foundation programming. This is YOUR Foundation.

Happy New Year!

Published: 29th December 2022

Categorised in: For the Record, News