Shirley Howard: Alive 'n' Kickin'

Artist Bio

Shirley Howard began painting in oils at the early age of fourteen. Later she was instructed in oil painting by local artists, Muriel Newton-White and Carolyn MacArthur. She then took on the challenge of watercolour and attended many workshops through JSANO arts education program, Kirkland Lake and the Cobalt Artists’ Colony. Shirley works in many media, including pen and ink, collage, and sculpture. Shirley is a member of the Englehart Area Artists and NOAA. She has exhibited in many group shows and has had her work regularly chosen for NOAA juried exhibitions.

A note from her friends

To paint what you see is to chance that others will not identify with your perception. You risk being able to share your vision meaningfully. Shirley’s amazing talent enables her to touch all of us with her art.”

– Jean Bott, Englehart Area Artists

“I always admired Shirley’s artwork and was impressed with her personally. She was multi-talented - a teacher, a musician, an outdoor enthusiastic person as well as a wife and mother. She was a classy woman.”

– Linda Mustard, Englehart Area Artists

“Shirley has been a close friend and mentor to me for many years. We’ve had an abundance of shared time through music and art. I feel like I’ve been part of Shirley’s art journey; I’ve been alongside her for most of the paintings she’s completed. Harvey, Shirley’s husband, took us on many art adventures (to paint sheep!) and he was always available to weld, cut, or glue sculpture pieces we constructed. He had a great eye and would offer advice to both Shirley and me on the lean of a roof or any other perspective issue. I’ve loved sharing those times with Shirley and thank her for the many great memories we’ve made. She has always been and will always be a special person to me.”

– Gwen Pollock

“I have known Shirley Howard through creative connections. Her paintings embody all her talents with music, instrumental, voice, and visual artworks. Spirituality shines through in all of them.”

– Berdina Beaven

“Shirley possesses a refined sense of play that brings a subtle, joyful mischief to her artistic endeavours. ‘Granny Likes to Rock’ is a wonderful example.”

– Cal Knight

“This note is to thank you Shirley for sharing your knowledge of art and for inspiring many of us in our pursuit of making art. We remember the fun times of workshops and painting in your home and garden and the times you and Harvey hauled all the supplies for setting up at the fair and the art shows. We love your paintings and miss seeing them and you...We appreciate you. Looking forward to seeing you and all your beautiful paintings.”

– Joyce Marie, Bonnie Warner and Eileen Fisher

“It is my sincere privilege to acknowledge the many artistic attributes of my friend in art, Shirley Howard. Through her art and deep commitment and participation to our EAA club, the NOAA and the Cobalt Artist Colony and the artistic community, and her dedication, in the past to BNSA. We all appreciate her involvement to the arts. For me, her paintings–and I happen to own one, ‘Cobalt’, a little gem in my personal collection–bring joy to my heart and peace to my being.

Why, you ask? Because her works truly channel the ideas that sincerity, artistic expression and creativity bring. I say that they reflect her gracious personality. Shirley, may you continue to create in that manner, those lovely works in your expressive style, inspired by your garden and surroundings, and continue to explore, discover and show us paintings created with that creativity that you find in your heart, as it should always be.”

– Lionel Venne

Often people are quick to give us good ideas but don’t realize the amount of work that it takes to turn a good idea into reality. Our special thanks has to go to Gwen Pollock for the immense amount of time and dedication she has put into this exhibition. Shirley Howard is an exceptional artist who deserves to be celebrated and Gwen is an extraordinary volunteer who deserves to be recognized.

– TAG Staff

Family Memories

Interview with Shirley's daughter Carol, granddaughter Caitlyn, and grandson Josh.

A Look Back at Shirley