Shelly attributes her gift of music to her family. "There are folks in my family that can sing and play circles around me.
Believe me, I've got good genes for it, I give them the credit.
I remember it (music) at almost every family get together. My granddad would pull out his fiddle, or my aunt would play the piano,
someone would pick up a guitar.... and make the sweetest music...spirit music.
Between all of the family on all sides, almost every instrument was played. As a child, I would usually sit at their feet to watch and learn.
I was mesmerized. Those were the happiest days of my childhood. It shaped me profoundly".
From 1999-2004 Shelly was part of the musical duo ClarySage with Debbie Garner. Debbie moved, so for the past several years Shelly has worked as a solo artist performing, writing and producing her own material and also producing other artist's CD's and musical works. She plays guitar, Native American Flute, Mountain and Walking Dulcimers, Harmonica, Piano and Mandolin.
With this variety of intruments, Shelly uses music and voice as a therapy tool in hospitals, alzheimers units, rehab units and with those who are mentally challenged. She has a Master's degree in Counseling.
The show features local artists, musicians, poets, writers and more. "I love being on this end of the mic. The best part is having deep dialogue with the artists, both during and after the recording. I feel it is critical to the growth of our community to hear from its local artists."
From 1999-2004 Shelly was part of the musical duo ClarySage with Debbie Garner. Debbie moved, so for the past several years Shelly has worked as a solo artist performing, writing and producing her own material and also producing other artist's CD's and musical works. She plays guitar, Native American Flute, Mountain and Walking Dulcimers, Harmonica, Piano and Mandolin.
With this variety of intruments, Shelly uses music and voice as a therapy tool in hospitals, alzheimers units, rehab units and with those who are mentally challenged. She has a Master's degree in Counseling.
She finds painting deeply gratifying. Her art has been purchased by galleries and has been on exhibit at festivals, cultural centers, churches and businesses.
Shelly recently began producing and hosting the podcast "Art and Soul of North Texas" www.artandsoulofnorthtexas.orgThe show features local artists, musicians, poets, writers and more. "I love being on this end of the mic. The best part is having deep dialogue with the artists, both during and after the recording. I feel it is critical to the growth of our community to hear from its local artists."