Meet Shelby Anderson | Gallery Director & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a child I was always intrigued by the mystique of the artistic lifestyle.
I was drawn to creative, fierce, and free personalities. I would go to the Art Institute of Chicago, an art museum located in the center of the city, with my mother. She would sit with me as I would draw familiar paintings in my sketchbook. I never thought it was a possibility for me to go to college at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. At that age, it seemed impossible to reach, however I continued to pursue my dream until I was accepted with a scholarship in 2012. I was then fully committed to the arts. I would go to gallery shows people would host in their homes. There was no limit on what art could be. I was surrounded by an eclectic atmosphere of eccentric and talented people. Being submerged in art, I never wanted to come out. I knew that finding a career with art was difficult but it’s more of a lifestyle that I was committing to. Art is not a career, it is a lifestyle. Now, I am a director and curator at a gallery and continue to surround myself with creatives and ride that creative wave.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistry is always undergoing a state of metamorphosis. I see art as research, either uncovering a variety of different concepts or understanding the world around me. I have a fascination with blending STEM (science. technology. engineering and math) and art. I became invested in finding mathematical symmetry. In March 2022, I curated a public exhibition on this subject for the first time titled, 36, that displayed the formulaic process of
infinite numerical patterns. This multimedia exhibition revealed my own research on the beauty of mathematics and how the ornamentation of numbers can emulate a visual work of art.

Recently, I have started a new series titled, Micro Abstractions, using round canvases to elaborate on microscopic images and translating them in an abstract manner.

In my past work, I found myself using vibrant colors. This became a representation of who I am, interior design, my clothes and my art. The series that incorporated that was called the Soulmate Series, where I express love through an infinite tie of the multilayered harmony of ethereal bodies.

Now, I find fulfillment supporting other artists and giving them a venue to become recognized. I know how hard it was for my work to be accepted into galleries. It has always been an emotionally straining experience to submit to local art shows. It was nice to have this space to really make my show my
own. I wanted that for other people. I wanted our gallery to accept all mediums and creative ideas as long as it’s socially conscious. I think that is really what makes an art community come together to collaborate, a judgment free space. Rob McKay from Connect Gallery in Chicago told me when I first started is to never say no and to always see a way to make it work. For a curator, I think that is the best advice you can receive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are amazing spots all around Aurora, IL. What is exciting is downtown Aurora’s First Fridays, where artists exhibit and businesses are open. It’s a very exciting time of the month. Even though the downtown area is small, it has a lot going on. I will always be a hype girl for Aurora.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This next chapter in my life at the Artesan lofts is where I found my calling. It enhanced who I am as an artist. Aurora put artist lofts in their historic downtown area. Moving in last year has been the best decision I made. Like college, I was again surrounded by what I love, an art community. There is an art gallery that is connected to the building that is absolutely stunning.
Beautiful wooden floors and large windows where you could view from the street. When I moved in I definitely saw the potential of what that gallery could be. There is a melting pot of different art mediums living around me. I pursued becoming the curator to allow that space to be utilized as an art hub for the community of Aurora. I started this gallery almost from scratch, and it has been nice to see it keep building.

Aurora, Illinois is an incredible place to be and is booming with a plethora of diverse artistic talent. I feel honored to become an available space for anyone in the community regardless of their artistic experience or background. As the curator of the Artesan Gallery, the community invited me into their large family of supporting friends. Aurora is diverse, representing different cultures and an

interesting history. Businesses are working together to promote each other and the downtown area. It definitely is not hard for me to fill the gallery with art or positive energy, especially when surrounded with talented artists. They make my job easy. We went from having a one artist show to more than 30 artists In our recent collaborative exhibition, the Gallery of Terrors. We have also established an art market every Sunday to support local artists.

I also contribute my accomplishments to my friends. Having a supportive community of people is the key to anyone’s success.

Instagram: _.shelby.anderson._ and artesan_gallery

Image Credits
Tarin Butterfield Antonio Bourge Brandon Butler