Pete Connolly

New Abandoned Series

About Pete Connolly:

Pete Connolly: Visual Artist, Illustrator, and Drummer

Peter Connolly, co-founder of Birds and Arrows, is a Tucson-based singer/songwriter, drummer, and professional artist/illustrator with over 30 years of experience in the arts. Originally from Bolton, England, Connolly’s journey as an artist has spanned continents, and he now proudly calls Tucson, Arizona his home. Known for his unique ability to combine mixed media with traditional painting techniques, Pete's artwork is characterized by his vibrant use of neon colors and a "junkyard" aesthetic, often exploring themes of urban decay, nostalgia, and pop art.

Connolly’s artistic contributions extend far beyond the realm of music. In 1990, he co-created The Connolly Tarot Deck with his mother, Eileen Connolly. The deck, widely recognized for its inspirational and uplifting imagery, taps into the subconscious and remains one of the most popular tarot decks worldwide, still being published by U.S. Games Systems today. Pete also collaborated with his mother on the Feng Shui Tarot, offering a new perspective on traditional tarot symbolism.

In 2013, Pete illustrated a series of children's books for a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization. These books, which focus on educational content, have been used as learning tools in schools in Baltimore, New Orleans, St. Louis, and beyond, demonstrating Pete’s ability to merge artistic expression with educational purpose.

Expanding his horizons further, Pete’s work has graced television screens, with his illustrations appearing as backgrounds in several NBC shows. His artistic versatility has earned him a place in museums and galleries along the East Coast, including the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, where his pieces were featured in a prominent exhibition.

A key figure in the Tucson arts scene, Pete’s artwork can also be found in numerous local galleries. His neon-infused, pop-art-inspired works have captivated collectors and art enthusiasts alike, establishing him as a respected visual artist in the Southwest.

In 2022, Pete's artwork made a bold return to the music world with the cover art for Electric Bones, the latest album by Birds and Arrows. As part of their continuing artistic evolution, this album cover showcases Pete's signature style while reflecting the transformative journey of the band.

Beyond his individual work, Pete has made significant contributions to the music industry through his collaborations with fellow musicians. He has designed album covers, logos, and merchandise for a wide range of artists, including Ben Folds Five, Justin Robinson of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Joint Artistic Endeavors with Andrea Connolly:

Together with his wife, Andrea Connolly, Pete has cultivated a unique and cohesive artistic identity under the Birds and Arrows brand. As a team, they design album covers, t-shirts, and other merchandise, creating a consistent and visually captivating aesthetic that complements their musical vision. Their combined efforts extend to live performances as well, where they integrate visual art into their shows, creating immersive experiences that engage audiences on multiple sensory levels.

Through both their musical and visual art, Andrea and Pete Connolly continue to push the boundaries of creativity, producing works that are deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning.

Catch Pete on Tour:
Join Pete on tour with Birds and Arrows, where he continues to share his artistic vision with the world. For more information about his individual artwork, visit Pete Connolly Art on Instagram and Patreon.

PETE CONNOLLY ART ON INSTAGRAM