Musician, designer, painter, writer – these talents and proficiencies mark Shirley Dearing as a true “Renaissance Woman.” They comprise the perfect blend of skills to qualify her as an authority for a book about practical costume-making.

Following her degrees in music from Barnard College of Columbia University-New York and art from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Shirley moved into the professional world of the fine arts. She sang and designed opera costumes for various Colorado opera companies. Her expertise in designing led to a companion career as a painter. Her works have appeared in many national exhibitions and juried art shows.

Her work as a costume designer has expanded beyond the world of opera to stage shows and museum work.

Shirley’s husband is an architect. Together they enjoy adventure travel and the challenge of new languages.

Busy as she is, no one will venture a prediction about what new world she may choose next to conquer.