Thays França
Thays (Ta-eese) França knew, when she colored with her first crayons at age three, that she was destined to be an artist. She followed her passion and now lives her dream life.
The vivacious artist has taken the town by storm since her arrival in 2015. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, where she graduated from the School of Fine Arts, Thays decided to bring her colorful and vibrant style to the USA.
Thays introduced the paint-and-party concept to Ormond Beach, but after two years of teaching drunk adults how to paint, she decided to transition from ‘fun art’ to fine art. The Thays Art Gallery and Studio was the result of a thoughtful and creative renovation and rebranding of her space. It was then that Thays became an integral part of the newly-formed 1st Saturday Ormond Beach Art Walk.
Thays has been selected as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” young professionals in the community by The News Journal. Her gallery was named “Best in Volusia” by East Coast Current Magazine. She’s been featured on the cover of Plantation Living Magazine, plus countless times in the Ormond Observer and other media outlets. She won the 3-part War of Art series and was also named as one of the “Top Women in Business” in Volusia County. Thays is quick to admit, “The reward that trumps all others is the smile on the face of someone who is admiring my work.”
Although Frida Kahlo is one of her role models, most of Thays’ work is inspired by her love of nature and her travels. As avid sailors, Thays and her husband, Sean, have been blessed to witness worldly beauty worthy of sharing.
Thays paints commissioned work for clients as well as wall murals at many local businesses and government facilities. In fact, she painted the very first and only city-approved exterior mural behind the Ormond Garage.
As co-founder of the Art Spotlight, she is excited to create an art-centric venue that hosts different art forms. Her goal is to “Create, Collaborate, and Elevate” the arts in Ormond Beach.
Even her trademark signature is a work of art.
