He mentions, “I use music and poetry as sources for my images in the same way that other artists use landscapes or the figure. I select works that I find especially moving and/or meaningful, study them closely and record my responses, questions, and discoveries about the sources. I sketch out my visual reactions to them using the typical art elements, e.g., shape, line, texture, value, etc. During this process, I find myself developing a palpable connection with the poets or composers through their work. I feel as if we are engaged in a very intimate dialog. We share ideas, challenge each other, and explore our mutual interest in the creative process.
Eventually, my preliminary studies evolve into finished images that record my private conversations with the artists who have become my mentors, colleagues, and friends.”

Tony teaches drawing, watercolor, and art criticism at ISU, the position from which he will retire in May of this year.

Crowley’s works can be found in the collections of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Harwell Art Museum, the Sheldon Memorial Gallery, the Cedar Rapids Art Museum, the Galesburg Civic Art Center, the Academy of Art Museum of Maryland, the Association Mouvement Art Contemporain in Chemalieres, France, the Maytag Foundation, the Pioneer Corporation, and a variety of university and private collections.

The show will be available for viewing on Fridays from 5-8 PM, Saturdays 10-1 PM and by appointment. The exhibition will be showcased until April 8th.