Biography & Resume

Pop Artist Michael James Toomy paintings possess a humanity and sensitivity rarely seen in contemporary art. Giving a serious though provoking edge to his pop art style. His “Innocence” series of paintings convey the images of everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. Toomy has been painting & drawing since he was a child, but has received little professional artistic schooling, with the exception of some Saturday classes at the MFA Boston & continuing art education classes over the years.

As a young man Michael spent several years as musician and songwriter and was heavily influenced by the power and ability of great songwriter’s to pen lyrics that listener’s can identify with their own experiences, their past or dreams.

Recently Michael has been involved with Live Nation’s Rock & Art Charity Event in Boston Ma. where his portrait of musician Mark Knopfler was sold on the spot to the actress Glenn Close. He also just created “Throwaway” for Amnesty International’s Chapter “The Boston Firefly Project.” Michael currently lives & works from his studio in New Hamphsire. Michael’s work has been featured in galleries and numerous group & solo shows. The artist currently works out of his studio in New Hampshire with wife & 2 children.

Artist Statement

I have always been drawn to the relationship between black & white. Their ability to both give an image a factual weight and at the same time they give the subject a dream-like quality. In my work I try to tell a story, leaving it up the viewer to interpert just what the story is, to fill in the blanks, leaving the images loose enough that the viewer can place themselves into the piece, placing their own histories into the work. Simply stated I want the viewer to emotionally connect with the painting & interpret it's meaning for themselves.

-MJT 2008

Exhibitions & Awards

"Kith & Kin" April 1 thru April 30, 2010 White Birch Fine Art, Londonderry NH.

Art NH 2009 Nov thru Dec. 2010

June through October 2009: Art Fridays Downtown Crossing Boston Ma.

The Art of Michael James Toomy: The Complete Portfolio. May 6 through May 30, 2009. The Hive Gallery. Pawtucket/Providence, RI

Select Paintings from the Innocence & Spiritual Series. April 1 through April 30, 2009. The Lotus & Orchid Gallery. Keene, NH.

The Innocence. Center for Cultural Pluralism Gallery Mar.1 through Mar. 31, 2009. University of Vermont, Burlington VT.

Passionate Portraits & Celebrities. Oct 2008 through Jan. 2009 Michael Roffi's 134 Newbury St. Boston Ma.

Throwaway created for Amnesty International Boston Firefly Project Charter Aug.2008.

Alternating Current August 1st thru August 31st Bukowski Tavern, Cambridge Ma.

Mark Knopfler Portrait completed & signed by the musician for Live Nation's Rock & Art Event scheduled for Nov 15, 2008.

Selected Works July 5 thru July 30, 2008. Cravings Café Kingston, Ma.

Portraits of the City GloveBox Presents: June 22 thru June 29, 2008 Boston, Ma.

Art Festival at One Washington Place Dover NH. May 2008 Current Works March 31 thru April 18, 2008 Dynamite Sushi, Hudson, NH.

Images in Black & White Feb16 thru March 16, 2008 Nolia Gallery, Amherst NH.

Artwalk Easthampton, Easthampton Ma. Dec. 2007.

U.S. State Department. 2007, accepted into the Art in Embassies program,.

1st Prize Award Un-named, Never Unknown 2007 Londonderry Arts Council Art on the Common Londonderry NH.

Current Work 2007: National Competition Juried exhibitor at the Rosenthal Gallery, work entitled Mother. Fayetteville State University, NC.

Associated Arts of Ocean Shores 38th Juried Fine Art Exhibition in Ocean Shores, WA. Juried exhibitor at the 2007, works entitled Missing You and Mother.

Juried Exhibitor at 2007 Spring Apple Country Craft Fair, Londonderry, NH.

A Show of Hearts Breast Cancer Fundraiser 2007. Inspiration Post Road Art Center, Marlboro, MA.

Art Walk Nashua 2006 Juried exhibitor Nashua, NH.

2nd Prize Award Ghosts of the Warsaw Ghetto II in the 2006 Londonderry Art Council Art on the Common Londonderry, NH.

Meet the Artist Solo Exhibition 2006 Leach Library, Londonderry, NH.

3rd Prize Award Missing You in the 2005 Londonderry Art Council Art on the Common Londonderry, NH.

Donations

Dreaming donated to the Southern New Hampshire Youth Ballet & Performing Company.

Thru the Door donated to 2006 City of Arts Ball Fundraiser, Nashua, and NH.

Passing under Fire donated to the 2007 South School PTA Fundraiser, Londonderry, NH.

On the Mound donated to local cancer fundraiser 2006, Londonderry, NH.

His Words donated to the Londonderry Presbyterian Church 2006 fundraiser for troubled families outreach program, Londonderry, NH.

Cow-boy donated to the Unitarian Church Fundraiser, Reading, MA.

Brady donated to 2005 South School PTA Fundraiser, Londonderry, NH.

Commissions

1964 commissioned painting for Porsche Cars of North America,Auto dealership, Nashua, NH.

1928 commissioned painting for Audi Automotive Group,Auto dealership, Nashua, NH.

HR's Porsche commissioned for Harry Robinson.

Dogs Lyfe cd cover artwork for David Bastien

Beatles private collection of Caroline Albano. Londonderry, NH.

Jordon commissioned portrait for private collector, Manchester, NH.

Zachary commissioned portrait for private collector, Manchester, NH.

Family commissioned painting for private collector. Salem, NH.

3 Skiers commissioned portrait for private collector. Londonderry, NH.

Storybook Mural commission children's mural private collector, Londonderry NH.

"Chuck Goes in Search of Number Ten" series of commissioned children's illustrations. Stoneham, MA.

The Marshmallow Martians Meet Santa" series of commissioned children's illustrations, Wakefield, MA.

Professional Experience

Artist/Owner, Londonderry Fine Art and Design 2006 - Present

Created original artwork, murals, portraits, real estate sketches and other design pieces for clients, restaurants, local businesses, art shows and charity events. Designed website, marketing and promotional brochures for art business.

Freelance Artist, 1992-2006

Created original artwork, murals, storybook illustrations & children's artwork

Created original cartoon sketches, handmade furnishings, wood cutouts and other custom art pieces for clients.

Designed and created store signage, website design, direct mail pieces, and print media for retail businesses.

Art Education

School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Ma. 1981-1982

New England School of Art and Design, Boston, MA. 1992

Pioneer School of Visual Arts, Manchester, NH. 2002