Work samples

  • Running past my feelings
    Running past my feelings

    11 x 14 Mixed Media Collage (paint, crayon, and magazine clippings) 

  • She is the beginning
    She is the beginning

    11 x 9 Mixed Media Collage 

    Available for Purchase
  • Clap your hands
    Clap your hands

    12 x 12 Mixed Media Collage

    Available for Purchase
  • Without good judgment
    Without good judgment

    12 x 12 Mixed Media Collage

    Available for Purchase

About Tonya

"Stop thinking about art work as objects, and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences" (Brian Eno).  Tonya Blue Shelby also known as Shelby Blue began making mixed media collage art in 2017 after experiencing physical burnout and systematic bullying from the school system she worked for. Collage art became her space of refuge and a conduit for peace to restore positive well-being. Her collage portraits tell the narrative of the societal and emotional ills… more

Jump to a project:

The courage to surrender

As women of color, community is the core of our existence. Consulting before decision making is the key to our success. It's not about having the right answers, but asking the right questions. This series inquires you to interrogate your thought patterns of who you are and who you have yet to become. For many of us the answer is the question and who we allow to be our number 1 consultant. This series leaves you wondering and asking questions and the beckons courage to follow the advice.

  • Where it begins?
    Where it begins?
    11 x 14, mixed media collage, 2023
  • Forward- March!!!
    Forward- March!!!
    11 x 14, mixed media collage on canvas, 2023
  • It is so
    It is so
    11 x 14, mixed media collage on acrylic (2023)
  • Peaceful journey
    Peaceful journey
    12 x12, mixed media collage on acrylic (2023)

Proverbs 31

Have you ever felt the presence of a woman before she enters the room? Her smell, her esence shifts the atmosphere before she utters a word. Proverbs 31 talks bout the charactersistics of a good wife. I believe these virtues are  already within everyone woman before they are found by their husbands. The series, Proverbs 31 captures the beauty of women from Baltimore in black and white,  while the colors around them express the virtues they possess. Featured at Jubilee Arts Center in the summer of 2022, I present to you Proverbs 31.

  • Community Leader
    Community Leader
    2022, 11 x 14 Mixed media collage on canvas
  • Holistic Healer
    Holistic Healer
    2022, 18 x 24, mixed media collage
  • Creatyve Genius
    Creatyve Genius
    2022, 12x12, mixed media collage on canvas
  • Before the sun rises
    Before the sun rises
    2022, 16 x 24, mixed media collage

The Shed Experience

It's time to uncover our faces and let the scales of doubt and uncertainty fall from our eyes. Let's shed what others have said about us and remove the labels that are now liabilities! Welcome to the Shed Experience!

  • Fail-Her Not
    Fail-Her Not
    2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage
  • Clear Eyes
    Clear Eyes
    2021, 11 x 14, Mixed media collage
  • Survivors Soul
    Survivors Soul
    2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage
  • Behold Her
    Behold Her
    2021, 11 x 14, mixed medial collage on acrylic.
  • Survivors Strength
    Survivors Strength
    2021, 18 x 24, mixed medial collage on acrylic.
  • The power of the tongue
    The power of the tongue
    2021, 11 x 14, mixed media collage on acrylic
  • Voices Carry
    Voices Carry
    2021, 11 x 14 mixed media collage
  • Happy Go Seek
    Happy Go Seek
    2021, 9 x 12, mixed media collage on acrylic