I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Columbus College of Art and Design and my Art Education K-12 certification from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. Today, I live in Greenwood, IN, with my husband and our two daughters.

Since 2015, I have been a high school art teacher, specializing in Fiber Arts and Introduction to 2D Art. Teaching has been an incredible journey, allowing me to share my passion while guiding young artists in their creative growth. My own artistic journey has a longer history and spans multiple disciplines—puppetry, performance, painting, and fiber arts—each influencing how I approach storytelling.

My pieces often explore the layered identity of women in midlife. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and teacher, I navigate shifting roles that shape how I observe, reflect, and create. Some works are deeply personal narratives; others are simply joyful studies in color, texture, and form. Symbols, figures, and natural elements appear frequently—quietly suggesting themes of beauty, resilience, and transformation. I aim to create art that is visually striking and emotionally resonant, offering the viewer the choice to appreciate its surface beauty or uncover a deeper story. Influenced by maximalist design, curated collections, and nature’s storytelling, I draw inspiration from rooms filled with meaning and objects with history. I grew up in an eclectic home where every item sparked dialogue—something I hope my art invites as well.

I imagine my work living in homes that value originality and connection—where art is more than decoration, but a catalyst for conversation. I welcome collaboration, especially with interior designers, and love the idea of a single piece inspiring an entire space.

– Heidi Shackleford