About the Author

Shelly Hardin

Shelly currently lives in Northwest Arkansas and teaches grades 1-5 in the second largest district in the state. She earned a B.F.A from the University of Arkansas, an M.A.T. from the University of Central Arkansas, and has completed 15+ additional graduate-level hours with a focus in ESL. Shelly serves in her district as a co-coordinator for elementary art and enjoys instructing art teachers, both inside her district and with AOEU. She has experience teaching high school, junior high, middle school, and elementary and has presented at both state and national art conferences.

Shelly’s award-winning first-grade dragon artwork serves as the cornerstone piece in her personal collection. She is passionate about art and about teaching her students soft skills such as communication, respect, and how to positively contribute to the community. Shelly is married with one daughter. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, serving at her church, and practicing yoga. Her favorite food is salsa and queso and if you ask her about her favorite color, she will say “all colors!”