Born in Des Moines, Iowa, now living in Northeast Iowa, Shelly lives with his wife; together they have two grown daughters. Shelly has always been interested in art. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Art Education and a Masters of Arts from the University of Iowa, and has practiced art as well as taught privately in the public schools since the late 1960’s.

Shelly has painted murals for business as well as business signs. He has designed a logo and illustrated special education pamphlets for the University of Northern Iowa. He has worked with Black Hawk County (Iowa) juvenile offenders painting murals and illustrations that decorated the detention center. He has created a number of one of a kind jewelry pieces, wedding and engagements rings. He has been requested the unusual, for example: using lost wax process in order to create a sterling silver prosthetic thumb; Inlaying original design and hand wrought sterling silver initials in a gun stock. He has designed and made a number of functional furniture pieces that include a late 1800’s style platform rocking cradle used by his children. One thing special that Shelly did for his wife's retirement from teaching Kindergarten, is to illustrate and engrave (intaglio) a collection of memorable symbols - butterfly, boots, backpacks, tree planting, and books - on a copper plate, then ran a print for each person having worked with his wife. In addition, and before distribution, he water colored each print.

He now practices art full time, owning and operating Shellae Fine Arts & Crafts, LLC. Shelly strives to create finished pieces that reflect the individuality of his clients. Each piece is individually hand crafted (no two are ever alike). He accepts commissions or special personalized projects.

Shelly participates in a number of fine art shows in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota throughout the year.

Website: http://shellae.com/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1tOHzBdT9n_KtBNBNFqtsDP5Xu-xx80qrrCyci6u5MvY5ZMX5T1Aym8e4