Thornley, Mary J.

Born and grew up near South Bend, IN; etiology of her deafness is uncertain. Educated orally, but learned sign language late in life. Childhood interest in art was suppressed at age 8 and not taken up again until age 32. B.A. from Indiana University, 1987, and M.F.A. degree in painting from University of Washington, 1990; holder of the 2000-2001 Powrie V. Doctor Chair of Deaf Studies and artist-in-residence at Gallaudet University. Her specialties included painted portraits and ceramic sculptures inspired by borrowed hearing aid earmolds. Exhibited both at Gallaudet and at a Washington DC art museum.