MaryKate Shakely

MaryKate is an artist whose work engages God, the sacred, and the human person.

I approach art with the same spirit that I attempt to approach each day: a spirit of awe and gratitude for the gifts of God, our loving creator and father.

I was privileged to earn my B.A. in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and study abroad in Gaming, Austria, where I studied with Dr. Jennifer Healy. Franciscan was challenging and fruitful, academically and artistically as much as spiritually. I came into a relationship with the person of Jesus Christ in a profound way during my time at Franciscan. The love of Christ that touched my heart anchors my artistic projects.

God speaks to each human heart through the natural world. From an early age, I found myself inspired by nature for the way it orients us to the supernatural. What we create should complement the beauty that God gives us in this life. I hope, through my art, to complement the good things of God and to raise the human person to be able to better cooperate with his grace and love.

I live in Alexandria with my husband Tom and our children. We treasure time spent in nature, visits to Washington, Old Town Alexandria, and the Virginia countryside, quiet moments of prayer, and time spent with friends.