Internationally known artist Bob Tommey, whose work is shown in prestigious Santa Fe Galleries, will be the focus of events at the Spiva Center for the Arts this month. Spiva's schedule includes an exhibit of his work, a showing of a film about him produced by youngsters and a portrait session by him to benefit the center.
Documentary Subject: Bob Tommey is an exhibition of his paintings and sculpture that opens to the public on Saturday, Sept. 12 and runs through Friday, Oct. 30, 2009. A reception for the artist, Spiva members and guests is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18.
The exhibit coincides with the premiere showing of Putting the ART in cARThage, a short documentary about the life and work of Tommey produced by fifth-graders at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School. TJ was one of only 10 schools in the nation selected to participate in "On Location: Spotlight on the Arts in Your Community," a film-making project funded by the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20 in the main gallery of Spiva. The public is encouraged to attend this free showing.
Tommey will conduct a live portrait painting demonstration beginning at 2 p.m. at Spiva on Sunday, Sept. 27. Starting with a blank canvas and a live model chosen by a lottery, the artist will paint and lecture, offering his step-by-step approach to creating a likeness with tips for drawing technique and use of color. Admission is $5 at the door. Reservations are requested by sending an e-mail here or phoning (417) 623-0183.
Chances for the sitting may be purchased for $20 apiece payable to Spiva by 5 p.m. on September 23. The winner will be contacted by 5 p.m. on September 24 and must agree to sit still for about 45 minutes. If unavailable, a second drawing will be made.
About the artist
Basically self-taught, Tommey, now 81, spent his childhood in rural Arkansas drawing incessantly. He says he doesn't recall seeing his first "real" paintings until he joined the army and had opportunities to sketch his buddies. While stationed in Washington, DC, he explored its galleries and museums, learning about the use of oils, pastels and canvas.
Following his military service, Tommey moved to Texas, enrolled in classes at the Dallas Art Institute and six months later was hired as a teacher. At the time, western art was not fashionable, and museums and art shows often would not admit western-themed work. Out of frustration, he started an art show devoted to the genre, but barred the press from attending. In fact, Tommey makes the distinction that hes not a western artist, but an artist who chooses to do western art. While in Dallas Tommey hosted his own hour-long television show devoted to interviewing and sketching celebrities, among them Natalie Wood and Elvis Presley.
After years in Texas and a year in Washington State where he lived in the rugged scenery he often painted, Tommey retired to Carthage. He collaborated with artist Bill Snow to create the bronze statue of Marlin Perkins, zoologist and TV's Wild Kingdom host, that stands near the library in Carthage's Central Park.
In 1978 Tommey was a founder and driving force behind the Midwest Gathering of the Artists, an annual show that brings accomplished artists from across the country to Carthage for a 3-day exhibition and sale. This year's free event will be held from September 12-13 at Memorial Hall, 407 S. Garrison from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. An art auction affair will be held on September 11 with hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m., awards presented at 7 p.m. and an auction of about 30 pieces of art at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 each.
Spiva hours
Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. The galleries and gift shop are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed Mondays and major holidays.
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