Exhibition: April 1-30
Artist's Reception Friday, April 26 from 5-7pm
ERA Landmark Downtown Visitor's Center, 8 E Main St.
20% of proceeds from all art sales in April (on Shirley's site and at ERA) will be donated to Reach.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Having developed my own style of collage, I have drawn on decades of experience and inspiration to create unique and recognizable art. Each brightly-colored whimsical image tells its own story and is often a reflection of my own personal struggles, triumphs and journey. I paint on paper, cut or rip the paper into pieces, then reassemble the pieces into images, often adorning each piece with natural elements like feathers, flowers, grasses, and porcupine quills. Each creation is not only a piece of art but a manifestation of my belief that art carries the transformative power to heal, inspire and bring blessings.
ABOUT SHIRLEY ROBINETT
Shirley Robinett, recognized for her distinct and unmistakable style of mixed media collage art, is an artist whose passion for creation has been ingrained in her since her early days on a small farm in Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. Throughout her life, Shirley has explored various mediums such as calligraphy, drawing, painting, and photography. However, it was the inspiration of Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and the discovery of mixed media collage that captivated her artistic soul, leading her on a transformative journey.
The realization of her artistic voice came when Shirley received several awards at local art shows, affirming her talent and unique approach. Her artistry has also found representation in several galleries across the country, allowing a wider audience to appreciate and acquire her creations. She has actively participated in numerous art shows, continuing to garner recognition and accolades for her exceptional work.
Through her mixed media collage art, Shirley invites viewers to embark on a visual journey where layers of materials and emotions intertwine, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. Her artistry stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication, lifelong pursuit of artistic growth, and the innate joy she finds in the act of creation.
Shirley sells her art through her website, connecting directly with art enthusiasts and collectors.
Furthermore, she undertakes personal commissions, tailoring her work to capture the essence of her clients’ visions. Shirley’s passion for art is matched by her commitment to academic excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design with honors from Montana State University, Bozeman and currently resides in Bozeman, Montana.
DONATION TO REACH INC.
Committed to giving back to her community, Shirley has generously donated her art to several local non-profit organizations, including Reach, Inc. Shirley has been involved with Reach, Inc. for several years as an artist contributor to their fundraisers. Reach’s mission to empower the people they serve to attain their individual goals and aspirations really resonates with her.
It's intriguing to observe the parallels between Shirley’s art and the mission of Reach. Beginning with a white sheet of paper, she adds color before deconstructing it through cuts or tears, only to reconstruct the fragments into captivating images. Similarly, the lives of individuals with disabilities may have commenced as uncomplicated as the painted paper, yet soon found themselves torn by the weight of their limitations and insurmountable challenges. Enter Reach, a beacon of assistance, gathering these shattered pieces and offering pathways to transform their existence into something profoundly beautiful.
Executive Director Dee Metrick says of Shirley’s donations and generosity: “Shirley has been an integral part of the success of our art auction and our clients. Her thirteen years of generosity, her willingness to share her artistic talents, and her ideas for enhancing our event have all enabled us to continually grow our art auction, recruit high quality artists to our event, and enjoy her exceptional art. Our clients, and our organization, are better because of her assistance with our mission.”
For more information, you may contact Shirley at shirley@shirleyrobinett.com and find her art at www.shirleyrobinett.