Shelley Shanks:

Artist and Activist

Shelley Shanks, passionate artist and concerned citizen. She has been cultivating her craft and following her passion for 20 years. Her pieces hang in galleries, corporations and private collections across the globe. (commissioned and other?) Shelley works and lives in the Houston area. Mother of four and born in ________ she has chosen Houston as her home. Shelleys pieces are a visual interpretation of the world around her is expressed through her unique style in her use of color, texture, and shapes. Her pieces range from traditional portraits to abstracts which all communicate ... The themes and subjects of her creations include portraits, abstracts, and inspirational images commissioned by ....to inspire the buyer. She finds inspiration through life experiences, activism and meditation; social change is her underlying motivator. The mother of four children xoxoxo ages x x Shelley believes in helping all children, not just her own Shelleys attention is given to organizations that are actively working toward the preservation of this planet and the wellness of children. Shelley works with corporations and individuals who are actively interested in preserving this planet we call home. Shelley works alongside some of the brightest designersSome of her associates are LEED certified and works alongside the brightest of designers who are LEED professionals. By creating works of art that are specific to countries and locations, and applying organic elements, such as low VOC paint and recyclable material, Shelley is able to contribute her talents and be true to her activism. Her commitment to use organic and/or recycled materials are her commitment. As an activist, Shelley donates much of her time to participate in projects, education and collaborations that somehow benefit our youth. In 2000, Shelley initiated the organization Artists Breaking the Cycle, a local group of artists, musicians, and writers who work collaboratively with other community organizations on a variety of projects and nonviolent education. Shelley has worked with and been funded by the Texas Commission for the Arts, Houston Endowment, and Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts. In 2003, Shelley participated in the Houston Mayors Office Summer Youth Project at Texas Southern University where she shared her knowledge and skills with inner city youth. In 2001, Child Advocates nominated Shelley for the annual Peace Maker Award which she received from Wage Peace and the Houston Peace and Justice Center. Shelley has donated her time and talent to benefit children with parents on death row, focusing on the importance of mentoring, hosted by the University of St. Thomas and endorsed by several local youth and service organizations in the Houston area. This series of captivating and evocative images continues to be used by several organizations and educational institutions across the country including the "Education vs. Incarceration" conference at the University of Illinois in 2004. Her work and effort toward greater social justice has been highlighted in articles and radio interviews. She has participated in Live Painting during Wall of Peace Painting Day. Past She works with local organizations including Dominican Sisters, Pax Christi, ACLU, Decade of Nonviolence, Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, KPFT Pacifica Radio Station, and Houston Peace and Justice on a variety of issues. She was also honored as a special guest and feature artist at the 2002 Texas Psychological Association Convention in Austin, Texas. Shelley effectively participates in public art projects to bring awareness to human trafficking, showing her work in a traveling exhibit and speaking to the area youth, as well as teaching trafficked victims to paint as a form of release and healing. She participated in "Peace Jam" with Nobel laureate Adolfo Perez Esquivelle, showing youth how art can be pg. 1 of 2

used as a tool to teach peace. She collaborated with Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association to put original art on the fine wines of Texas in 2004. One of Shelley's commercial murals can be seen at Northern Lakes Seafood Company, featured in Food and Wine Magazine in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Her work hangs in galleries and private collections internationally. Current projects include working with international organizations who are seeking LEED certification by creating earthfriendly original artwork for their offices globally. Today, Shelley continues to contribute significantly to both the art community and the human rights movement.

Commissioned Corporate Clients: Honors/Awards: 2007 featured artist of Via Colori Festival 2001 nominee for annual Peace Maker Award by Child Advocates Exhibitions/Festivals: Memberships/Associations: Founder - Artists Breaking the Cycle Wall of Peace Peace Jam Beloved Community Project CAHTs Human Trafficking (What is CAHT stand for?) Pelican Project Amnesty International Interviews: Great Day Houston National Public Radio KPFT Arts Houston Modern Luxury Exhibits:

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