EXPRESSIONS OF ABUNDANCE
WHO IS BEHIND SPIRIT TRIBE STUDIO?
Shelly Bays-Costa is a multi-medium artist from the Pacific Northwest who has a deep appreciation for the cultures of the Southwest. Growing up in Colorado and regularly exploring the region with her family had a lasting impact on her and is reflected in her art. Shelly studied Visual Arts at Skagit Valley College, but considers herself primarily self-taught.
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Shelly has coined the term "Expressions of Abundance" to describe her artistic style and the pieces she creates. In particular, her original clay figurines honor Native American history and are a testament to her deep respect for the cultures of the Southwest. These figurines are also the inspiration for the name of her business, Spirit Tribe Studio.
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Overall, Shelly's work is a celebration of life and the natural world. Her pieces, whether they be clay figurines or works in other mediums, are infused with a sense of abundance and a tribute to the cultures that have inspired her. By honoring Native American history through her art, Shelly hopes to bring attention to and preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Southwest.
EVERY CHILD IS AN ARTIST - Pablo Picasso
Exposure to Art is Crucial in Child Development
As an artist with a strong background in art education, Shelly has been heavily influenced by the elementary school art programs that she experienced throughout her elementary education. "I was very fortunate to be exposed to art on a regular basis," Shelly says.
In addition to her own artistic pursuits, Shelly has dedicated much of her career to teaching art to children. She worked for the Mount Vernon Washington School District for 13 years. In this capacity she created an after-school art program and helped develop supportive art curriculum for all grade levels. Prior experience includes 5 years of early childhood development, instruction, and parent education through the Skagit Valley College Preschool Cooperative. Shelly frequently draws from memories of her own childhood experiences when creating art projects to teach.
Shelly is a firm believer in the importance of exposing children to art in various formats for healthy development. "Teaching art to children is something I will probably do forever," she says and is currently working on a high school artist in residence program for local Illinois high school students. Through her own art and her dedication to education, Shelly hopes to inspire and nurture a love of art in others.
There are many ways of being creative. One can sing and dance, write or paint. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers and writers and artists flourish.
-Warren G, Bennis (adapted)
