Shirley's Art

PREVIOUS EXHIBITS ... 2004 and 2008

Fresh Air Gallery, Columbus, Ohio

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, Shirley's therapy.

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 walked through that exhibit, I felt as if Shirley were walking beside me.

I had the chance to revisit Shirley's art in January,2008,again at the Fresh A.I.R. Gallery.

There were thirty paintings and all but two were signed in ball point pen in cursive,as 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.

I was honored that they invited me to speak at a reception honoring Shirley 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.

There are many others in the same situation and my heart goes out to all of them.

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 dining room.

It brightens my day when I look at it and serves as a reminder of the friend and mentor

who inspired me when I felt lost; raised me up when I was down.

Shirley helped me to realize that creativity lies within the heart and soul of each of us.

Mary's Watercolor

Mary was one of the sixteen alternates.

This is a print of one of Mary's pieces of art.

It is owned by D. Hoffman of Philadelphia.

Blue Island

Shirley's Signature, Front and Back

The Story Behind Blue Island

By Mark and Sally...

Here is a brief history of how we acquired the painting.

Right about this time last year, maybe even May of 2009, my husband had gone for a bike ride before work. He came home and told me about this beautiful painting that was blue. My favorite color. Our dog's name is Bleux. He didn't have the time to go back and get it. I sat at home for a few hours then walked up the street to the yard sale. It wasn't an estate sale, ya know, just a normal yard sale. The painting was still there! I could see it half way down the street. Just stunning. I fell in love with and bought it for my husband. I placed it in front of the fireplace so he would see it when he walked in. I paid less than $5 for it. Please rest assured that this painting will not be sold. It has been on my living room wall ever since that day. And where ever I go it will always hang in my living room. The painting was extra special because of knowing just the little inaccurate info we had. Now it is so much more special knowing what I know.

I am so blessed to share the love of her artwork.