Ithaca wood carver exhibits folk art at Penn College gallery
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Mary Michael Shelley has been carving out a life in Ithaca, New York, since she graduated from Cornell University in 1972. The folk artist is sharing works representing the evolution of her 50-plus-year career in an exhibition at The Gallery at Penn College.
On display through Nov. 26, “Art of the Everyday” showcases Shelley’s artistic vision, inspired by the everyday world around her, including portraits of her family, image metaphors for life lessons and feelings, and scenes of local diners, bars, shops and farms in upstate New York.
An artist’s reception is set for 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, with remarks at 5:30 p.m. During the event, Shelley will demonstrate her low-relief wood carving process.
The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Gallery at Penn College is on the third floor of The Madigan Library.
Shelley grew up on a farm in Bucks County, an area rich in tradition, antiques, history and craft. After graduating from Cornell with a degree in English literature and creative writing, she was inspired to carve wood when her father made a painted woodcarving of her riding a horse on a farm. Her craft became her storytelling.
Shelley’s works are in numerous collections, including the American Folk Art Museum, High Museum of Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Smithsonian Institution, Arkell Museum and Fenimore Art Museum, all in the U.S., and The Absolut Art Collection at the Spritmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, and the American Museum & Gardens in Bath, England.
The Gallery at Penn College’s hours are: 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; Noon to 4 p.m. Fridays; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Visit the gallery site for more on the 2024-25 season.
The Gallery at Penn College is a cultural asset to the college and local communities, providing the opportunity for appreciation and exploration of contemporary art and encouraging critical thinking and meaningful experiences.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free at 800-367-9222.
