A life centered around creativity.
A Custom Picture Framer since 1981, Shelby originally operated her frame shop from within the main building of the Antique Center Complex in Leonardtown, MD. Recently she moved to Building Two on the grounds, which afforded her more space and the freedom to turn her workspace into a warm, serene, and inviting place. If you ask her she will tell you she feels blessed - she is one of those lucky people who enjoy coming to work every day...and she considers all her customer's her friends.
Social Science was her original career path, but her heart is in framing, painting, and writing. "Framing is never boring, something unusual, touching, or fun is brought in my shop every week."
She remembers every piece she's ever worked on and has loved framing from the moment she started. "I enjoy seeing the looks on my customers faces when they see their piece transformed into something pulled together and ready to be a part of their home forever." She also loves restoring customer’s old frames, some dating as far back as the 1800s. A family treasure or an auction find can take on new life and bring beauty once again.
Shelby the Certified Picture Framer
The title "Certified Picture Framer", or CPF, is a certification administered by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA). Begun in 1986, the required exam tests the knowledge of an individual in the five exam content areas: Preservation, General Knowledge, Mechanical, Math and Mounting. In other words, Shelby has proven that she has extensive know-how in everything from the history of glass, paper, and frames to proper conservation methods and mounting techniques for your treasured artwork or photo. She currently stays up to date on all the newest advances in conservation techniques that will help preserve your artwork. Always on the cutting edge of her craft, Shelby was one of the first 400 in the world, and first 7 in Maryland to take the test over 24 years ago.
Shelby The Painter
Beginning her painting career at the age of 32, Shelby is a firm believer that you can start a new endeavor at any time in your life. She did take an art class with the talented local artist and Professor Tom Rowe, but is primarily self-taught. Her paintings range from 3/8” x ½” on ivory, which I enter in miniature shows, to 24” x 36” and larger. In 2006, she placed first in Ivory in the Washington Miniature, Painters, Sculptors, & Gravers Society Show held at Strathmore mansion in Bethesda. She paints scenes and people that make her “feel” as opposed to painting for mass appeal. However, others look at her paintings and feel something also, and she has become quite popular in her local crowd.
In addition to painting her own work, she also cleans old oil paintings.
Shelby The Writer
Throughout her life, Shelby has loved to write and dabble in short stories. Poetry and prose is where she feels she can most freely express herself and enjoys attending poetry readings in the county. One of her poems was also made into a song and performed at the St. Mary’s County library’s 50th anniversary celebration.
She recently started writing a column for our local county newspaper, The County Times, called “Wanderings of an Aimless Mind." It covers just about anything that strikes her fancy. Readers enjoy the column and she enjoys writing it. You can find the articles at www.countytimes.net.
Shelby's home is in Mechanicsville, Maryland with husband, Robert, and dog Tidbit, (who they allow to watch soaps and eat bon bons all day. Tidbit in turn allows Shelby and Robert to live with her.) Shelby also has two sons - Robert, an artist and graduate of Frostburg State University, and Ryan, a photographer and adventurer.