Mary Michael Shelley facts for kids

Mary Shelley is an American folk artist born in 1950 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She is known for her unique painted wood carvings. Her art is often described as "naïve" or "self-taught" because she learned her skills on her own, without going to a formal art school.

Mary graduated from Cornell University in 1972. She earned a degree in English and Creative Writing. Since then, she has lived in Ithaca, New York.

Mary Shelley: A Folk Artist's Journey

Mary Shelley started making her special painted wood carvings in 1974. This happened after her father sent her a carving he made. It was a carving of Mary as a child on their family farm. Her father's carving was inspired by the artist Mario Sanchez.

From 1973 to 1990, Mary worked as a sign painter and a carpenter. These jobs helped her learn important skills. She became very good at working with wood and designing things. These skills were key to her becoming a visual artist.

Her Unique Art Style

Mary Shelley calls her artwork a "picture story" or "picture diary." Many of her pieces tell a story or record an event. She uses her art to share her experiences and feelings. For example, she often uses cows and waitresses in her art. They represent her life and feelings as a woman.

Her work also often includes hidden messages about society. Mary tends to create her art in groups, or "series." Some of her main series include diner scenes, farm life, outdoor adventures, animals, and dreams.

Where You Can See Her Art

Mary Shelley's artwork has been shown in many places. From 1976 to 1990, her work was displayed at the Jay Johnson Folk Heritage Gallery. By 2008, she had created over 2,000 painted and carved wooden artworks.

Her art is part of the permanent collections in several important museums. This means her pieces are kept there forever for people to see.

Notable Collections

• Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC)
• The John Judkin Memorial, American Museum in Britain (Bath, England)
• American Folk Art Museum (New York City, NY)
• The High Museum (Atlanta, GA)
• Fenimore Art Museum (Cooperstown, NY)
• The National Museum of Women in the Arts (Washington, DC)
• Women’s Rights National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, NY)
• Anthony Petullo Art Collection of Self-Taught and Outsider Art (Milwaukee, WI)
• Absolut Vodka Art Collection
• World of Coca Cola