October 2026 in the NIPSCO Art Education Studios: "Art Life Jackets" - Edwin Shelton

The Art Life Jackets exhibition presents a selection of clothing altered by Edwin Shelton. Throughout his career, Shelton has created distinctive "outfits" for his exhibitions, a practice rooted in his childhood when his maternal grandmother, Charlotte Skinner, taught him basic sewing techniques.

Decades later, with the help of Laurel Izard, Shelton fabricated a fluorescent orange tuxedo with black trim for his Master of Fine Arts Exhibition in 1980 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Over subsequent decades of creativity, additional "art life jackets" have been produced for various exhibitions. His art practice serves as a tool for healing from childhood trauma; these life jackets function as metaphors reflecting his personal journey.

Shelton explores an assortment of materials — enamel spray paint, faux fur, fake gems, beads, and more — in designing his "art life jackets." The clothing expresses whimsy and playfulness. He approaches his work through "wabi-sabi," an aesthetic philosophy appreciating imperfection and transience. More recently, he has evolved to create without concern for others' opinions of his assemblages, sculptures and drawings. This refreshed perspective enables him to pursue abstract forms and compositions that become "personal icons" representing non-duality. Currently, Shelton remains fascinated by this concept as it appears in mystical traditions across multiple faiths. He draws energy from YouTube videos documenting near-death experiences, further informing his artistic vision.