New Artwork: Sanctuary

I am still working on pieces that incorporate fabric and textile traditions! Here’s another of those, featuring a parent grebe and its chick - specifically, the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus). Be prepared for all the adjectives coming up: the surface fabric is a modified Baltic open weave wool and lace curtain from the 70s. I removed some of the wool for conceptual color palette reasons, and cut away a curtain section entirely to let the painted panel show through.

On the sides of the panel, an Estonian jacquard trim makes two appearances! The band is finished on both sides and features different patterns on each; I used both on the perimeter.

This is Sanctuary, acrylic, vintage wool and lace curtain, and jacquard trim on wood panel, 18.1x12.2x1.5”, 2026.

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Shelby Prindaville's mixed media painting of a grebe and chick with vintage curtain and jacquard trim.

I'm an Iowa Artist Fellow!

I’m so excited to share that I have been selected as a 2026-2027 Iowa Artist Fellow!

Since 2014, Iowa has been selecting five artists per year for the Iowa Artist Fellowship, an honor that recognizes “individual artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity in the arts and a commitment to contributing to the vitality of the arts in Iowa.” The evaluators determined that my work exemplifies excellence and innovation as well as public value and program readiness. Throughout the year, I will be attending (and hosting!) a variety of events and workshops; each fellow receives $10,000 in grant funding to facilitate their fellowship goals. Support is provided by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

I am grateful for this opportunity to grow my regional presence. Much more to come!

From the Iowa Arts & Culture Newsletter - July 2026 edition.