Terri Shay

“The work I create is meant to amuse, inspire, and foster a curiosity of the mystery that is our natural world. Through familiar forms and organic movements an alternative landscape emerges. I am fascinated by thinking of creating, like solving a visual and melodious puzzle.”

Terri Shay has been working as a professional artist for over 30 years. She has worked as an illustrator, painter, and educator. She likes to share her imagination with others by adapting a color palette with an almost infinite array of shading and hues. From illustrating the art of children’s books, expressing popular topics and seasonal change, to bringing her travels to life. Terri is currently teaching Color, Design and Painting at Saint Louis University.

She has earned a B.F.A from Columbus College of Art and Design and a MA and MFA from Fontbonne University with an Emphasis in Painting. Terri Shay has had countless shows, exhibits, and publications. She currently lives in Saint Louis. When Terri is not making art, she enjoys being outside swimming, taking a hike or just spending time with friends, family, and her many pets.

Artist Statement

My creative objective is meant to amuse, intrigue, foster curiosity through unique organic form and movement. I attempt to recreate what has already been seen and understood through my observation of cycles and patterns with my own vision and creative interpretation. The familiar, the natural portrayal of a flower, is reinterpreted by giving it new playful movement and slightly more intense changes in color pallet, a different view that brings unique life to the painting. This creative process is ever changing and mercurial, in form. It reflects the harmonic cycles, childish melodies and the adaptive ever changing imaginative mind.

Shows & Exhibits

• October 2024 at The Historic Goodyear Cottage JI, GA
• 2024 Spring Demun Healing, Clayton MO
• 2023 May, The Green Door “Botanical in Bloom” Webster Groves, MO
• 2023 May, I Need that Art, Clayton MO