Paula Porter/For the Mining Gazette Bobbi Shirey displays hand-painted handbags at her art studio in Calumet.

Local Copper Country artist Bobbi Shirey and her art are one of a kind. A painter, Shirey has an amazing talent to capture real life and put it on canvas or other medium. Bobbi is a self-taught artist primarily, having only taken a few art classes in high school and in college. Art circled back into her life about seven years ago.

Shirey says, “Art is not just a reflection of our surroundings, but a reflection of our hearts. When we look at art, we don’t just see it, we feel it. It has the power to awaken memories and emotions, connecting us to our past, our loved ones, our truest selves.”

Art is a true passion for Shirey. Her favorite painting medium is using a palette knife; however, she does occasionally use brushes, too. Shirey opts for the palette knife because she loves to layer her paint and texture. This technique gives her paintings a signature look.

Recently, Shirey won a honorable mention at a Mackinaw Island summer art contest. Because of the high number of entrants, this accomplishment was a career highlight. Her very first painting of an angel was sold to a woman in Maine.

Most of the inspiration for her paintings comes from Copper Country scenery or animals. Some favorites for Shirey include white birch trees, waterline, skyline and animals, too. The colors she uses on her scenery paintings are stunning. It is possible to order something specific as well. She paints pet portraits, wedding pictures, such as bouquets, and other custom orders.

Paula Porter/For the Mining Gazette
Bobbi Shirey displays natural scene paintings at her art studio in Calumet.

Shirey is capable of capturing images and painting to invoke the feelings created by the scenes in the art. Christmas ornaments featuring the local Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Handbags with purple lupines. Hand-painted key chains to choose from. Painted one-of-a-kind hats and jackets, original jewelry and keepsake Christmas cards all showcase her many talents. The greeting cards are done in watercolor, and some feature prints of Bobbi’s original paintings.

Paula Porter/For the Mining Gazette
Bobbi Shirey displays Christmas ornaments, featuring the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, at her art studio in Calumet.

Shirey also has a passion for teaching classes for others to get creative on their own. The classes available to both adults and children include instruction in painting and beach glass art.

Currently, a few pieces of Shirey’s art are on display at Copper Country Community Arts Center located in downtown Hancock and at her own art studio in Calumet. For more information about classes, viewing her art in person or scheduling a specific class, email bobbisdreamsanddesigns@gmail.com.

To view Shirey’s art online, visit bobbisdreams.com.

Shirey will exhibit her artwork at Art in the Park on Saturday and Sunday in Copper Harbor. The art fair will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.