Shelly Garrett is a deaf artist and registered Art Therapist who resides in Sonoma County.

Shelly’s art tells a story of her experience as a deaf woman living in a society that predominately caters to hearing people. She uses mixed media, collage and painting to explore textures, shapes, lines and different forms while using layers to explore her inner world.

Shelly finds grounding in her healing thru her practice of art making and gardening. Shelly is a registered Art Therapist and has been practicing Art Therapy for 15 years. She has a private practice thru Tele-health and meets with folks on an individual, group therapy setting and workshops.

My role is to help guide and facilitate the creative process through working collaboratively with clients to understand their unique needs and goals by tailoring art exercises and interventions accordingly.

Through art therapy we address a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, including stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and low-esteem. Clients are encouraged to express themselves freely and authentically without the pressure of artistic skill or judgement. The artwork becomes a visual language through which clients can communicate and gain insights into their inner world.

CV

Crestwood Behavioral Center: June 2023 to present

Napa State Hospital: 2010-2023 Rehabilitation Art Therapist

January 2011- November 2020: Napa State Hospital Hospital wide on-unit Mural Project

October 2011 and 2012: Employee Art Show Napa State Hospital

May 1997: Palomar Art show

Lifeworks specialized in Deaf and hard of hearing students, Santa Rosa CA. Art Therapist: 2004-2005

Museum on Wheels Monterey California: 2001-2002

Monterey Museum, Art Teacher: 2001-2002

Masters in Psychology/Art Therapy Sonoma State University: 2003-2006

Bachelors of Art at Cal State Monterey University: 2000-2002