Mary Michael Shelley facts for kids

Mary Shelley (born in 1950 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania) is an American folk artist. A folk artist is someone who creates art based on traditional styles or themes, often without formal art school training. Mary Shelley is considered "self-taught" because she learned her art skills on her own.

She graduated from Cornell University in 1972 with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She has lived in Ithaca, New York, for her entire adult life. Mary started making her special painted wood carvings in 1974. This happened after her father sent her a carved piece he made, which was inspired by artist Mario Sanchez.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Mary worked as a sign painter and carpenter from 1973 to 1990. These jobs helped her learn important skills in woodworking and design. These skills were very useful as she developed her unique art style.

What Makes Mary Shelley's Art Special?

Mary Shelley calls her artwork a "picture story" or "picture diary." Many of her pieces tell a story or record an event. She often uses metaphors, which means she uses one thing to represent another. For example, she uses cows and waitresses in her art to show her own feelings and experiences as a woman.

Her work also often includes hidden social commentary. This means she uses her art to share her thoughts on society or important issues. Mary tends to work in "series," creating many pieces around a single theme. 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 important 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 museums and institutions. This means these places own her artwork and keep it on display for people to see.

Museums and 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