Shirley's art was first exhibited at the Fresh Air Gallery in Columbus, Ohio, in 2004.  The art was unsigned and presumably done by her alternates before, and during, her therapy with Dr. Wilbur. The art is startling in that certain themes and images repeat themselves across all of the personalities. 

     My husband saw the notice for the art show in our local paper and asked me if I'd like to go. As I stood before each piece, and reflected about what it had meant to Shirley, I felt that my friend  was standing there beside me.  I was reminded again of how much I missed her, and of much she had suffered.  

    New Exhibit of Shirley's  Art

Nov. 12, 2007 - Jan. 5, 2008

      I had the chance to revisit  Shirley's art the first week of January, 2008. It was again at the Fresh A.I.R. Gallery  and I visited one cool, cloudy morning. There are thirty paintings in the collection and all but two are signed in ball point pen in cursive, "S. Mason" . The majority of the works are in watercolor on paper. Shirley's presence again surrounded me as I viewed her work and talked with the  staff there. I was honored that they invited me to speak at a reception honoring Shirley and her art the following week. At that reception on January 9th, I met another artist who is currently dealing with DID. To hear her speak of her struggle is to face the reality of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder. It was a privilege to meet and speak with Sheree Green and I will keep her in my prayers.  

                       My invitation to the reception                                       My speech

                                                                                        Gallery staffer, Myken Lint and me

    Shirley wanted me to have one of her paintings. She gave me several choices and this is the one I picked because of its peaceful colors and tone. It is called "Footbridge in Georgia" and I admire it daily in my living room.  It brightens my day when I look at it and serves as a daily reminder of the friend and mentor who inspired me when I felt lost; raised me up when I was down; and helped me to realize that creativity lies within the heart and soul of each of us.  I was honored to be her friend and hope that in some small way, I made her life better also.                 

"Foot Bridge, Georgia" by Shirley Ardell Mason

"With loving best wishes to Nancy and Bob"

( information on the back of painting )

    These are samples of prints of Shirley's other art, some done by the alternates. The originals were sold at the estate auction after Shirley's death. They were purchased by Mr. Jim Ballard who did not at first realize their worth. Since most of them were done during Shirley's therapy, the art traces her path of recovery...from abused sufferer of DID (dissociative identity disorder ) to an integrated practicing artist.  

Street Corner	Aquatic Forms	Ballet 102	Interior

                                                                 

I was overjoyed recently to receive an e-mail from Danny H. who has an original of the alternate  Mary's work. His wife rescued it sometime in the late 1970's from a dumpster at the Fairmount Institute in Philadelphia. Apparently, it had been discarded when some remodeling was being done. Danny and his wife had the watercolor professionally conserved, re-matted, framed, and the back sealed. There is provenance on the back of the painting that leaves little doubt that it was done by Shirley's alternate, Mary. Danny wonders how many other pieces of art by Shirley and her alternates are out there. I hope there are many; and that they are being as lovingly cared for as this one has been. Thank you, Danny, for giving me permission to share this image of Mary's watercolor.