Colt will be featured at a reception where he will be available to discuss his work with insights into his process at Camden Art Shoppes, 1011 Galleria, Broad Street, Camden on Friday night Nov. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.
By Judy Watts
Colt Shirley’s creations are visible to anyone who spends any time at all in Camden. Larger-than-life murals, some hidden away on interior walls or alleyways, others emblazoned on exteriors of buildings, greeting visitors and locals with their vibrant images of local culture and history and usually a hidden bit of humor or whimsey.
His business for the last 15 years, Signs by Colt, has been signage and vehicle wraps but with a growing side gig of painting murals and other original art. The sign business is quickly fading into the background as his reputation as a mural artist spreads.
“I have about six months, maybe more, of large art jobs booked,” he says, glancing around at the five murals he is just finishing up at 1011 Galleria on Broad Street. The murals are five pieces titled “Steeplechase Race Horse Mural Collection” and are located on the second and third floors.
The massive pieces are part of the renovation and updating of the building owned by Rob and Karen Brown as an event and retail space. The main floor is home to Salud Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar and the Camden Art Shoppes.
Colt (his work is signed simply “Colt”) also has canvasses and other art projects hanging at the Camden Art Shoppes.
Among his other murals are butterflies at the 1026 Broad alleyway and at the library, one at Blaney Elementary School where children are shown playing with animals and Revolutionary War depiction at Palmetto Paint and Body Works, among others. It’s a big leap but the future looks bright for this married father of two girls. He proudly shows off their first efforts at projects and sees talent in his girls. He even offers them a chance to do small bits on his big murals in addition to projects he comes up with just for them.
“I like to let them help and they like doing it but I think some of it is that they just like doing things and hanging out with me.”
Colt is thankful for his success and recognizes how lucky he is.
“I have not a clue why but for whatever reason, God has given me a talent and gift that makes people of all ages smile and laugh and I’m very thankful to have a real purpose in life.”
Colt will be featured at a reception where he will be available to discuss his work with insights into his process at Camden Art Shoppes, 1011 Galleria, Broad Street, Camden on Friday night Nov. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.
