Member Spotlight – IN MEMORIUM Shelley Picker
by Lori Hollenbeck
Shelley Picker, PWCS board member passed away March 3, 2011, at home. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994.
Shelley was a graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and was president of the Philadelphia chapter of Artists Equity in the 1970s.
Shelley was president of the public relations firm of Ingram & Picker and later head of Picker & Associates.
Shelley made the world a better place for being in it. She used her skills in public relations to work tirelessly for the rights of others. She helped launch Philadelphia Pro Athletes Against Drunk Driving to name just one of her successful causes. She also worked for women's rights as well artists' rights. So many of her good works were done anonymously. She wished only to make a difference.
I would like to tell you what a wonderful person Shelley was. Her art was a reflection of her spirit. She painted beautiful paintings of flowers from her garden. I always feel that our paintings reflect the artist and Shelley's certainly did.
She served on our board for several years. Shelley co-chaired the 2009 and 2010 members' shows. She fought her battle with cancer the entire time. Shelley would attend our board meetings the same day as her chemo treatments. She would leave a little early and apologize. She participated in so many of our events and never ever complained. She did more than anyone could have expected and did it with grace, efficiency and humor. What a fighter!
I will miss her smile. Shelley was like a ray of light when she walked into a room. Her concern was always for others. I know it’s said so many times, but she will be missed.
Her husband of 36 years, Ben, her daughter Eden and son Evan and three grandchildren survive Shelley.
Evening Rose
Summer Shadows
