For inquiries, or to request a catalogue of all available works by Tom Motley, contact the GALLERY.
About Tom Motley
Tom Motley grew up in Beaumont, Texas on his family's farm. It was there Tom cultivated an interest in growing crops and a passion for caring for both farm animals and wildlife. As a child he spent his time copying the funny pages, fostering a lifelong love for cartoons and illustration. His professional artist career began when he attended the University of North Dakota while serving in the Air Force. In 1966 the board of governors at the university offered Tom a solo show on campus. Thus, this first show, titled "Tom Motley Found Art", was the beginning of his career as an artist.
From the University of North Dakota and the Air Force, Tom continued his education, receiving both a Masters of Art and a Masters of Fine Art in Painting from the University of Dallas. Starting in 1972, Tom became a Professor of Art and Art history at Richland College. There he extended his knowledge and passion for art and the artist to countless students. Tom has now retired after 44 years teaching at Richland College, focusing solely on his own art. Still a farmer at heart when he is not participating in the art community, Tom spends time with his wife, children, and grandchildren in their backyard garden.
Selected Exhibitions
2023 SONDER, J. Peeler Howell Fine Art, Fort Worth, TX
2023 UNVEILED: THE DEBUT EXHIBITION, J. Peeler Howell Fine Art, Fort Worth, TX
2020 MOSTLY CANVAS: THOMAS MOTLEY, Center For Contemporary Arts, Abilene, TX
2019 SPRING GALLERY NIGHT JURIED EXHIBITION, Fort Worth Community Art Center, Fort Worth, TX
2018 COOLER WEATHER Four Person Painting Exhibit, Crittenden Studio, Fort Worth, TX
2018 TWELVE BY TWELVE, Stephen F. Austin State University, Cole Art Center Gallery, Nacogdoches, TX
2018 FLUID DIALOG, Liz Trosper and Thomas Motley, Bernice Coulter Templeton Art Studio Gallery, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX
2018 BLACK AND WHITE, Steven Benezue, curator; Northlake College Gallery, Irving, TX
2017 ANIMUS, T. Motley curated exhibit, Genn Armstrong and Juan Cruz, Bernice Coulter Templeton Art Studio Gallery, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX
Selected Publications
2022 Askari Studio (Kaivan Askari interviews Thomas Motley), youtube video
2022 Art Spiel, Healing / Mihee Nahm, May 12-June 25, at Artspace 111, Ft. Worth, Texas
2021 Art Spiel, Meridian at Haggerty Gallery, U.D.,Irving, TX: Sara Cardona and Elisa Lendvay (essay and artists' interview)
2020 Essays for the Grace Museum’s current David McManaway exhibits, Abilene, TX
- The JOMO Game
- Chas. T. Williams: A Mentor’s Influence
- Saving the Studio: Gone But Not Forgotten
- David McManaway’s Studio
- David McManaway: Cult of the Commonplace