Genre: Quilting

Shea lives near the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin and identifies as a queer parent, artist, water protector, and community organizer. Coming from generations of quilters, Shea was introduced to art at a young age including to the Gees Bend Quilters whose work inspired her first quilt which she made around age ten. Improvisation continues to be a backbone of Shea’s practice, yet she also utilizes her background in water science and cartography to create detailed map-based art using innovative techniques and technology. In all of her work, Shea communicates her commitment to social justice and seeks to connect people to the times, places, and experiences that give a feeling of belonging and connection in this beautiful, devastating world.

Since 2023, Shea’s work has been included in more that eighteen exhibitions including at Quilt Con and as part of a group show she curated featuring Great Lakes artists called “For the Love of Water”. In this time she has also taught dozens of workshops and artist lectures, and led two retreats. Shea has been the recipient of multiple grants and awards for her work including the Juror’s Choice award at the Minnesota Quilt show in 2024 for her quilt “Rock Harbor, Isle Royale” and a Best in Show award for “We Are All Connected: Shut Down Line 5” in the Stitch + Resist exhibition at Island Gateway Gallery in Bayfield, WI.