Shirley MacKenzieShirley MacKenzie was born in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1959, and by 1961 she was adopted away from her family of origin. Adoption played a significant role in Shirley's life, the likes of which she has shared in her book, Orphan Sage, published in 2010Leaving Nova Scotia in 1965, Shirley lived and schooled most of her life in Montreal and Ottawa. She studied Arts Plastique in Montreal, and Museum Studies in Ottawa, earning two diplomas. She credits much of her skill to having studied under established Canadian artists such as, Gerald Roach, Raymond Brown, Frieda Baine and Andrew Dukowicz.Studio development became Shirley's next focus, continuing on with art exhibitions and commissions. She was invited by Saint Catherine School in Metcalfe, Ontario to create an art program for children in grades one to six. This was such a popular class for children that she opened her studio to teach privately on weekends. This position gave her enormous insight to the incredible need there is for art in early education; encouraging children to explore new ideas, take risks, and contribute with their own unique voices.Today, Shirley's focus is on developing her skills, experimenting with materials, exhibiting when she can, and enjoying the great fun book illustration can be. A large body of her work was given to museums, through exhibits, advertising, graphics - then to book illustration and private art commissions. She has illustrated and/or provided cover art for Seymour Hamilton's stories: The Laughing Princess, The Hippies Who Meant It, River of Stones, Angel's Share, and Ellie. Read More Read Less