Carol Peters is proud of her father. One look at his intricate,
handcrafted belt buckles, bracelets and lighters, and it isn’t hard
to see why. With a new display at Gilroy City Hall honoring his
work and life for the next four months, Peters is hoping her
father’s influence continues to be felt.
IN LIFESTYLES: Columnist Carol Harris looks at the life of
Curley Tomey. To read the story, click here.
Carol Peters is proud of her father. One look at his intricate, handcrafted belt buckles, bracelets and lighters, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Curley Tomey, nicknamed the “Cowboy Artist,” was born in Aromas in 1912 and lived in Gilroy until his death in 1977. Champion rodeo riders and even regular bar patrons couldn’t get enough of his work, done completely by hand with no formal art training, Peters said.
With a new display at Gilroy City Hall honoring his work and life for the next four months, Peters is hoping her father’s influence continues to be felt.
“I get kind of emotional just thinking about all this,” Peters said. “You never think of your father as, you know, someone famous. He was quite a character.”
In addition to his artwork, Tomey made branding irons for most ranchers in the South Valley and played guitar, violin, harmonica and was an avid singer.
The collection at City Hall includes old photos, Curley’s boots and a few of his best designs and engravings. The exhibit runs now through May.
Gilroy City Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 7351 Rosanna St.
IN LIFESTYLES: Columnist Carol Harris looks at the life of Curley Tomey. To read the story, click here.
