In the Artist Studio: Featuring Tony May

February 5 - May 9, 2021
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Tony May, Studio 35, photo by Julie Ho Sung

NUMU is pleased to present two exhibitions featuring works by San Jose-based artist Tony May.

In the Artist’s Studio: Featuring Tony May opens in the Michael and Alyce Parsons reception area on February 5. It is the first installation of NUMU’s ongoing exhibition world and his highly interactive creative process. The visitor follows May on his journey of creating the site-specific installation for the San Jose Museum of Art, Variable Book Construction (Bookmobile),  (1991-1995). With behind-the-scenes photos of May's T. House, workspace, and drafting table, as well as a few select tools that help May get the job done, visitors will learn about the artistry in the time and the care that May dedicates to his tasks. To further engage visitors and illuminate the process behind the creative concept, May’s Bookmobile Maquette,  recently donated to NUMU’s permanent collection, will be on view. This maquette is a component in the process of creating Variable Book Construction: Bookmobile, which is in the collection of the San Jose Museum of Art. The exhibition runs through May 9, 2021. 

Titled in the image, acrylic on panel. Courtesy of the artist.

Tony May began his career as an artist in his native Wisconsin, and earned an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1966, and learned the craftsmanship of carpentry and other practical skills from his father on their family farm. In 1967, May moved to San Jose, CA, where he lives and taught art at San Jose State University for over 30 years. Tony May has exhibited his meticulous paintings and conceptual, whimsical structures to international acclaim. NUMU’s exhibitions will continue that.

Also, see Views of the T. House in the Spotlight Gallery