Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelbi “Shel10” Toone.
Hi Shelbi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
A true Ohio girl, born and raised in Columbus, in what I think is the heart of it all. I reside on the near east side with my husband and son. I am a life-long visual artist and daughter of creatives who have actively impacted the Columbus Art scene. I earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Master’s in Public Administration before starting my business Shel10, LLC, in 2010 to begin working on a multi-faceted range of projects. I have more than a decade of experience as a graphic designer, exhibiting artist and curator. I was the Founding Director of Columbus’s southside gallery All People Arts (allpeoplearts.org). My current role is Project Manager of Poindexter Village Museum & Cultural Learning Center of Ohio History Connection (poindextervillagemuseum.org). I also serve as a Board of Trustee member for Neighborhood Design Center (ColumbusNDC.org) and Ohio Alliance For Arts Education (OAAE.net).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My experience as a creative professional is working behind the scenes to help promote change and create hope. Since I was a young girl, I have thrived through creating art and continued my passion for the arts to assist anywhere I can. Standing on the shoulders of my ancestors, I am a folk artist that enjoys bridging the gap through creativity and collaboration. I love being an artist, but I love even more what art does to transform communities and conversations. I have had the honor of joining art avocation at every level. Now a project manager, I have co-pioneered lasting cultural projects and continue supporting many creative community programs.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Overall, I am optimistic about Columbus’s future and love being home. We are a city learning to represent diversity in every way. I love that we have an immersive environment where anyone can call it home. After 2020, I saw this city better understand the importance of artistic transformation and the necessity to lift the arts. We all need hope, and art creates hope, so I favor Columbus public art and community art engagement opportunities. I also advocate that we preserve the past in ways that pass down the history for the future. As a native, Columbus’s growth and influx of new residents has its pros and cons. Things are changing so fast that we don’t recognize our neighborhoods because of the endless development around us. Additionally, I dislike the continued crime of local youth who are clearly left behind in this city’s change. We have to do better about leaving something for our young people but I know that’s more than just a Columbus problem.
Contact Info:
- Website: shel10.com
- Instagram: @creativeshel10
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeShel
- Other: @newpeace2020
Image Credits
Ian Crumpler, Walt Neil, Adam Brouillette, David Turner, Doreen Dawkins, Lincoln, Franklin Park, and Terence Toone
