Honoring Irene Joyce Shelton: Local Artist, Mother, and Friend

October 25, 2024

At New to You Fergus, we often have the privilege of discovering hidden local treasures, each piece imbued with its own history and significance. Recently, during one of our auctions, we were honored to sell a breathtaking watercolour painting by local artist Irene Joyce Shelton. The proceeds from this sale were donated to Groves Hospital, helping us continue our mission of giving back to the community through the generosity of both donors and buyers.

Initially, the painting caught the eye of one of our dedicated volunteers who sorts through art donations for New to You. It was an exquisitely rendered original watercolour of the iconic St. Andrew’s Mill in Fergus. After posting the painting for auction on social media, Irene’s daughter, Silvia, reached out to share that the artist behind the signature “I. J. Shelton” was indeed her mother, Irene Joyce Shelton. Irene was not only an immensely talented artist but also a beloved member of the Fergus and Belwood communities. Despite passing away in 2012 at the young age of 53, her legacy lives on through her work, which continues to capture the heart and soul of the local landscape.

We were fortunate to speak with both Irene’s daughter Silvia and her close friend and fellow artist, Barry McCarthy. Their reflections offer a glimpse into Irene’s life, her artistic journey, and her deep love for the beauty and history of Southern Ontario’s buildings and natural landscapes.

The Artist and Her Legacy

Irene’s journey as an artist was profoundly shaped by her scientific background. She was a highly accomplished environmental scientist and researcher whose work even touched on the Kyoto Protocol, demonstrating her deep commitment to understanding and preserving the natural world. This same curiosity and appreciation for nature extended into her artwork. As Silvia noted, Irene’s scientific knowledge gave her paintings an extraordinary level of detail. Her understanding of plants, trees, and the environment allowed her to capture the natural world with precision and beauty.

A mother of four, Irene never let go of her creative spirit. Her passion for art became more focused when her children were young, and soon she began to exhibit her work locally throughout Southern Ontario. Her paintings, most notably watercolors, featured historical buildings and landscapes, honoring the unique character of small towns like Fergus. 

Irene was once commissioned to create a series of pen-and-ink illustrations for the "Welcome to Fergus" brochure, which was given to newcomers to the area. These illustrations featured iconic local buildings such as the Wellington County Museum and Archives. Silvia reflected on how meaningful it was for new families to be welcomed into the community by her mother’s artwork. It was Irene’s way of introducing people not only to the town but to its rich history and culture through her artistic lens. Her artwork became a bridge between past and present, ensuring that the stories of these buildings and the people who built them would continue to be shared with new generations.

Shelton’s love for local architecture extended into her watercolors and illustrations as well. She had a passion for highlighting historical buildings and local landmarks because she believed these structures were what made small towns truly special. For Irene, these buildings were not only important for their history but also for the stories they held, and she saw them as an essential part of preserving and honoring the rich culture of small towns like Fergus.

A Friendship Forged Through Art

Barry McCarthy, a fellow artist and one of Irene’s close friends, shared about Irene’s incredible talent and her rapid rise in the art world. After taking several workshops from Barry, Irene quickly mastered the complexities of watercolors—one of the most challenging mediums to work with. Within just a few years, she had developed a style that was both technically and artistically accomplished, creating works that captured the essence of her surroundings with remarkable precision and emotion.

Reflecting on the painting that was auctioned at New to You Fergus, Barry remarked, “This watercolour is beautifully drawn, cleverly composed, and technically accomplished. You can feel the cold, wet snow distilled in a romantic setting characteristic of our county.” He went on to emphasize how Irene’s work, though not produced in large quantities, is a treasure for any collector. “Her output as a painter was not that extensive, which will only increase its value over time.”

A Lasting Impact

For those who knew Irene, her art serves as a constant reminder of her love for her community and her extraordinary talent. Silvia described seeing her mother’s work at auction as a bittersweet experience. While it can be difficult to part with such a personal piece of family history, she also saw it as an “unearthed treasure,” a way for Irene’s legacy to continue to inspire and bring joy to others. “It’s a reminder of her participation in the world,” Silvia said. “And it feels right that it stayed in Fergus.”

At New to You Fergus, we are honored to have played a small part in sharing Irene’s work with the community once again. We believe that every piece we receive has a story, and Irene’s artwork is a testament to the talent and heart that thrives in our local area. Through donations, like Irene’s painting, and purchases made by our wonderful customers, we’re able to support Groves Hospital and make a difference in the lives of so many.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winner of the painting! It’s truly special that this stunning artwork, created by a beloved local artist, will now grace the home of another member of our community who clearly has an appreciation for the beauty and significance of St. Andrew’s Mill. We’re thrilled that this piece has found a new home where it will continue to be cherished for years to come.

If you have any memories or would like to share your connection to Irene’s work, please reach out to us. We would love to hear your stories and continue to honor the incredible legacy of Irene Joyce Shelton.