Shirley Daly

An interior designer turned fine artist, Shirley is a true visionary when it comes to staring at a blank canvas. So, when she moved to Shannondell and discovered that residents didn’t have a space to display and sell their artwork, Shirley along with other artists convinced Shannondell management to build a dedicated art gallery. Today, Shirley’s vision and design skills have turned into a highly anticipated, revolving showcase of community and outside, regional talent that inspires others to say, I can do that.

Q:
Let’s start back before you moved to Shannondell, you were represented by several area art galleries, correct?

Shirley:
Yes, in Chadds Ford, Swarthmore and Philadelphia. I had a studio at home and painted a lot. Living in Chadds Ford, I soaked up (Andrew) Wyeth.

Q:
So, when you and your husband began looking at retirement communities, I assume having access to studio space was paramount.

Shirley:
It was important. We made a career of looking at different communities. Most have some form of arts and crafts space. But none could match the size of the studios here at Shannondell, or the variety and quality of instruction. Maria Orr, our teacher, is wonderful.

Q:
I’ve heard that from other residents. Before you moved to Shannondell, did you know there were so many artists who lived here?

Shirley:
I had no idea. I mean you think you’ll meet a couple of people who share the same hobbies and passions. But once I started painting in the studio at Shannondell, I met all these talented people.

Q:
Is that what inspired you to create what’s now The Shannondell Gallery?

Shirley:
A few of us went to Shannondell management with the idea of showcasing residents’ work in our own gallery. We established a committee, and I drew up a plan. The next thing I knew, Shannondell presented us with the exact space that we hoped for. The woodworking shop even built us pedestals. I was adamant that the gallery look and feel like a professional gallery.

Q:
I think you succeeded.

Shirley:
Thank you. It was a community effort. When we had our first exhibition showcasing only residents’ work, people were lining up, early, outside the Gallery doors. It was so exciting for the artists.

Q:
The gallery means a lot to you.

Shirley:
I’ll tell you how much; after I lost my husband it’s been a true lifesaver for me to be so involved.

Q:
So the art is part therapy.

Shirley:
It’s not just the art, it’s also the people. The residents here are genuinely nice and so supportive and encouraging. That’s how I started doing yoga, aerobics and Tai Chi. My friends convinced me to join them. And now I’m doing all these things for the first time.

Q:
And feeling better, I bet.

Shirley:
I am. I have more energy than I did before moving to Shannondell. And, believe me, you need it when you have to hang an entire new art exhibition every month or so in the Gallery, even with the help of a wonderful committee. We all agree, though, it’s worth the effort.

Q:
And you have the fans to prove it. Congratulations.

Read other interviews with Shannondell residents by clicking on the names below:

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