Tom Ashcraft’s diverse practice is rooted in object-making, public and participatory artwork.  In 2005 he co-founded Workingman Collective, a collaborative group of artists and other professionals whose membership, goals and missions change with each project. This open framework creates a conceptual agency for exploring a wide range of possibilities, whether working individually or engaging with artists, architects, biologists or barbers.

Tom and Workingman Collective have exhibited + produced work in the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. 

Awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Design Grant, Ford Foundation Fellowship, YADDO Fellowship, NY State Arts Grant, Washington DC Commission on the Arts Award, Mabel Pew Grant, and three U.S. Department of State Commissions, Art in Embassies.

Selected educational projects include: "The Andros Island Art Project", a series of eco/social, interventions, workshops and public artworks created for the community of Stainard Creek, Andros Island, Bahamas, with students from George Mason University, College of the Bahamas, and citizens of Stainard Creek; "Container Space", a 20' shipping container repurposed into an off-the-grid exhibition + social space housed at the George Mason University, School of Art;  "Public Practice", a 3 year course focused on creating two permanent artworks for the US Embassy in Niamey, Niger, commissioned by Art in Embassies, US Department of State, project developed with a student / artist collaborative team, Western Carolina University, School of Art + Design

Born in Long Beach, California, raised in Nevada and Florida. After 30 plus years in the DC area, Tom is now based in Asheville, North Carolina. He is currently the MFA Director and Distinguished Professor at the School of Art + Design, Western Carolina University.