Art of the Everyday: Painted Woodcarvings

May 25th - September 22, 2024

Visual artist Mary Michael Shelley uses low relief wood-carved texture and acrylic paint to give life, movement, and interest to her work.

Developed by the Arkell Museum, this dynamic exhibit focuses on New York State themes including agriculture, landscapes, lake views, and diners. Hand Digging the Erie Canal, a new piece created specifically for this exhibit, is a special feature. We are thrilled to announce that this work is now part of our permanent collection. A benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous donated funding specifically to purchase this piece. Come see it and more work by Mary Michael Shelley in this exhibit. Hand Digging the Erie Canal will also be on display next year when we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal.

Artist Mary Michael Shelley has lived in rural upstate New York for more than 50 years and is a frequent demonstrator at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market. Significant public collections that own work by Shelley include the Smithsonian and the National Museum of Women and the Arts (Washington, DC), the American Museum in Britain (Bath, England), the Museum of American Folk Art (NYC), the High Museum (Atlanta, GA), Women’s Rights National Historic Park (Seneca Fall, NY), and the Fenimore Art Museum (Cooperstown, NY).

This exhibition is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Mary Michael Shelley
Hand Digging the Erie Canal, 2024
Carved pine, acrylic paint, and gold leaf
Museum Purchase with Donated Funds, 2024