About Shirley Gaynor
Shirley Gaynor was the founder and visionary of the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. Her committed support to the Center as Board President, in philanthropy, and charter member generated financial growth and aided in securing the funds to make the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center a reality.
Born and educated in New York City, Shirley Gaynor came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1949, when her husband Theodore accepted a position with Bethlehem Steel Corporation. While a young adult living in New York, she attended a course in Cast Drawing at the National Academy of Design, and a course in Life Drawing at the Art Students League. More currently, she attended workshops given by Frank Webb, Herb Olds, Al Broullette, Diane Maxey, Barbara Buer and Tony Couch.
Shirley had several one person exhibits, entered group shows, and received numerous awards at local and state levels. Throughout the United States, many of Shirley’s painting and drawing collections were showcased in private and corporate exhibitions. Her works were accepted in the juried Triennial and Biennial Exhibits at the Southern Allegheny Museum of Art and in three juried Grand National Exhibitions of the American Artists Professional League in New York City. A watercolor painting and a drawing are in the permanent collection of the Southern Allegheny Museum of Arts in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and a palette knife oil painting is in the permanent collection of the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. Since the 1950’s, she painted, drew, and exhibited her artwork. Art was Shirley Gaynor’s passion and she demonstrated this as a proud member of the Allied Artists of Johnstown and several other art organizations.