“I grew up in the countryside three miles outside the small town of Rocky Ridge.  This rural upbringing remains a strong influence in my life and work.  After attaining a Fine Arts degree from Southern Seminary in Virginia, I lived and worked in many places, from Mt. Saint Helens (I was there when the volcano blew) to the historic Gettysburg area.  Living and working in NYC was my next challenge, followed by a move to North Carolina.  Once in Charlotte, I acquired a second degree in Interior Design, which helped refine my sense of design and perspective.”

Artist Statement

“I paint because I feel compelled to express my feelings and observations about time, place or person.  Images call out to me to capture them on paper.  I’ve had paints and pastels on my hands since childhood and the fascination has never waned.  I work in watercolor and pastel, in styles that vary from Realism to Impressionism.  The subjects range from the people and streets of New York’s Times Square to the hills and streams of my native Maryland.  I want to convey to the viewer the essential nature of the subject as it is revealed to me.  If one of my paintings expresses the subject to you in a new way, or strikes a chord of recognition in you, then I have succeeded in my role of visual storyteller.”

National Magazines

The Pastel Journal Nov 2002 “Setting the Tone” the art techniques of Shelly Keefer
Sanskrit UNCC Literary & Art 2002 “Howard Street”
Chronicle of the Horse cover January 1998 “Leaving the Ground”

Awards 2002 – 2003
Third Place 2003 “Spring into Art”
Purchase Award 2003 “Spring into Art”
Purchase Award 2003 “A Natural View”
Honorable Mention 2003 “WFAE Radiovision”
First and Third Place 2002 “Creative Days”
Purchase Award 2002 “A Visual Harvest”
Best in Show 2002 “Summer Art Explosion”
Two Honorable Mentions “Summer Art Explosion”
Second Place Team 2002 “Artists on the Square”
Purchase Award 2002 “Natural View”