A Bucks County fine artist has had his work selected for an exclusive exhibit.
Tom Furey, 65, has lived and worked in Bucks County for much of his life. Even while working other jobs, Furey has worked to further his career in art.
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Furey, a resident of Bristol Township’s Levittown section, got his start as a young child doing crafts with his grandmother. Around 4-years-old, Furey got started on oil paint-by-numbers kits that got sent home with his father from the Veterans Affairs hospital. As the years went on, Furey’s love of art grew.
“I guess it was the approval I got from the people around me who said my work was exceptional that spurred me on to do more art,” Furey said. “It’s been my lifelong occupation, along with my full time jobs.”
In the 1970’s, Furey opened a cooperative studio on Mill Street in Bristol Borough. The studio allowed artists to swap ideas and work in a dedicated space. Throughout his career, Furey has never given up on art. He always juggled art, raising a family and working full time.
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“I was a jack of many trades to support my artwork,” Furey said.
In 2013, Furey was working as an engineer in the steel industry. He knew that he had to make a decision regarding how he would proceed. Furey chose to work on his art full time.
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Furey’s oil painting, titled “Safety Huddle,” is one of 104 pieces selected to be featured in this year’s “Art of the State” exhibition. The juried exhibition received nearly 1,800 entries for the 2018 show. “Safety Huddle” comes from Furey’s 42-year career as a steelworker.
“Most of the work I do is a part of my life in one way or another,” Furey said. “I put a piece of me into everything I paint,” Furey went on.
“I don’t paint to sell, I paint to paint,” Furey said. “I will continue to paint until I no longer can,” he went on.
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This was Furey’s second time entering the show, but the first time he has been selected. Furey went on to say that he is absolutely proud to be selected for the show.
The show is held at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and is open to Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople. The competition allows newcomers and distinguished artists to be recognized for their work.
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The “Art of the State” show is set to be open to the public between June 24 and September 9 2018.
