Born in Missouri, Shirley Cleary has traveled the world over to gain the exceptional artistic skills she possesses today. She began her course of study in her hometown of St. Louis earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Washington University. For graduate instruction, Cleary traveled to Temple University in Philadelphia, and to Rome and Spain to fulfill her requirements for a Master of Fine Arts.
 
She now calls Montana home and can combine her two passions, art and fly-fishing. Cleary’s work has been featured in shows and festivals across the United States, as well as in art and fly-fishing magazines and calendars. Additionally, Cleary is an active member of the Miniature Art Society and on the Board of Directors for Helena’s Trout Unlimited Chapter.