Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tió studied at Temple University, the Tyler School of Art in Rome, and The University of Cincinnati. His drawings, prints, and paintings have been widely exhibited for more than three decades, and have received numerous awards. His work can be found in a wide range of public and private collections. Tió resides in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he operates Hare of the Dog Press and Studio, and serves as Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.