Have you seen the art popping up on electrical boxes downtown? Part of the Arts Trail and the Arts District of Glens Falls, these works have added so much to our little city already (and we’re hoping this is just the start!). We’re excited to introduce you to another of the talented artists behind this series - Shelley Fairbanks! You can see her work on the corner of Warren and Church Streets.
Tell us about yourself!
I graduated from Granville High School in 2011 and attended SUNY New Paltz as a painting and drawing major. I ended up finding myself at SUNY Empire State College along the way and graduated with my bachelor's in Arts Management.
I have lived in Upstate New York my whole life and absolutely love the beauty of the Adirondacks. I grew up right near Hick’s Orchard in Granville so I was spoiled in the cider donut department. I was lucky to grow up on a huge piece of property with a nature trail behind my house. My parents instilled in me a huge love of nature, animals, and art. Going to Glens Falls was always a treat for me as a young kid. This was the big city! A bit embarrassing but funny to recall the fact that I often mistook Glens Falls for New York City.
I moved to Glens Falls over two and a half years ago after I started working at the Charles R. Wood Theater as the Box Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. It has truly been a dream job! I love to see what's happening on Glen Street every day, being so close to so many amazing restaurants, working with an incredible team, and of course dog watching!
On Becoming an Artist
My dad was an incredible artist and art educator. Painting was always a huge part of my life as I got to spend a lot of time in my dad's studio. He taught me everything about the great masters (Vincent was a stand out), mixing colors, using acrylics, composition, and how a little bit of blue paint can go a long way! I used to attend all sorts of gallery exhibits and art shows with him and even got to sell some of my own work at his outdoor shows when I was very young. My 25 cent cat paintings were a hit! My dad even painted a portrait of me titled "Shelley at Work" where I'm preparing cat masterpieces for an outdoor exhibit. It hangs in my downtown apartment currently.
I am very thankful for all of the opportunities I have had. I always wanted to be an artist (with the exception of when I briefly changed my career path to primatologist in 6th grade) and started seriously working toward those goals toward the end of high school. During my stay at SUNY New Paltz I won a few college competitions and that really pushed me to a place where I felt confident in what I was creating. I am still playing around with different mediums, styles, and subject matter and have been fortunate to have some pieces featured in various local shows and exhibits.
My dad passed in 2017 and I really owe most of my artistic success to him!
The Inspiration
I am a huge animal lover! But what really inspired my "Dogs of Glens Falls" mural was all of the adorable dogs I get to see downtown on a daily basis! As previously mentioned I LOVE dog watching at work. During the pandemic The Wood Theater was shut down for over a year and during that time my coworker Eric Potter installed a "doggie cam" security camera facing the outside window. It was truly his magnum opus and kept myself and my other half/coworker Emily Murphy and I sane while we both worked from home. We would post a "dog of the week" on our Facebook and it also helped me get to know our local furry friends.
We not only allow, but encourage dog owners to bring their pups into the theater if stopping to buy tickets for a show. Please note that if you're reading this, have a dog, and are thinking of coming to an upcoming event. I included dogs I met through working in the box office (Thatcher, Arthur & Avalon, Zuzu) and the rest are dogs I either know personally, know their owners, or know because a stranger reached out to me with a story. I put a lot of time and care into selecting the pups.
Of course I also have to give Murray Murphy a separate shoutout (son of Emily Murphy) who I often refer to as my "best fren". He is front and center if you are facing the street. From being named Thomas's English Muffins #1 Fan to reaching TikTok fame and starring in a movie (filmed by local filmmaker Cailtlin Stedman who's pup Vinny is also featured) he has really touched the lives of so many!
On The Process
This was definitely a challenge for me but one that I was super excited to take on! I'm so thankful to the Arts District for allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and work with a completely new medium. A LOT of research went into painting on a metal surface from how to prep and sand the box, finding the right primer, paints, and top coats.
I loved getting to interact with all of the people walking and driving by. The support was increible and completely overwhelming at times. One of my favorite moments was when a dog owner walked by with their German Shepherd puppy as I was painting another Shepherd on the box. The pup was very curious and watching me as I painted and I remember getting emotional as the owner said "she's painting what you will look like when you're older!" It was the purest thing!!
I have a busy work schedule so I was out painting almost every day after work even when it got dark and cold. I told all of my friends that when I had any free time in October "assume I am at the electrical box". I have done some public art and murals sporadically but I am still relatively new to the public art/mural scene so this was an all around wonderful adventure and fun opportunity to stretch my artistic wings!
Some Glens Falls Favorites
If you drove or walked past me at night around 7pm or 8pm you may have seen me with an AACC roll from Mikado. I usually ate during my painting sessions (being very careful to know what was paint water and what was drinking water). In the mornings when I had the day off to paint I would stop by Birch Bark to grab some specialty donuts. Spot Coffee is of course a standard go-to for me! I definitely had a few breakfast burritos by my side while painting. For a treat I LOVE pasta night at Gourmet Cafe (plus the amazing desserts made in house by Chef Francis!).
I also took some breaks to sit in City Park, shopped at 42 Degrees, browsed the new arrivals at Laura's Vintage, and warmed up at the Wood Theater which was a nice "home base" for me.
Gratitude
I would just like to again thank everyone for the incredible support. Cam Cardinale and Jeannette LaPointe for taking some professional photographs of me at work, Emily Murphy for hyping me up every step of the way, and the entire Arts District for all that is being done to make this city a beautiful home. I also just wanted to say how impressed and proud I am of every single artist that has been outside painting! I am humbled and inspired by all of their creativity and dedication.
I also wanted to thank Jereme Young who sat with me for hours while I worked just to keep me company. He proposed to me the week after completing the electrical box. I never knew I would end this project as an engaged woman!
I also dedicate my project to my two pups that have crossed the rainbow bridge, Alice and Penny. Dogs are a gift to humanity!
Shelley Fairbanks
Instagram
