Shari Chandler was born and raised in Oklahoma.  She was taught how to paint at an early age by her grandparents, and was fortunate enough to have art throughout her early school years.  After high school, Shari studied art at the University of Kansas for two years, until she discovered a new field;  archaeology.

After a ten year hiatus as a professional archaeologist, and obtaining her BA in anthropology from the University of Oklahoma, and a Masters Degree from New Mexico State University, Shari returned to her artwork.  That was in 2000, and since then, she has had her paintings displayed in galleries in Santa Fe and Scottsdale, and had a piece accepted into the 2002 Arts for the Parks Competition top 100 (her painting titled 'Desert Sentries').

Now living in southwestern New Mexico, Shari finds her inspiration in the landscape around her adobe home, which she designed, and shares with her husband and two dogs.  Her studio, which sits a few yards from her house, is called "Casita de la Tortuga," or house of the turtle.  Shari and her husband thought the name was appropriate because it takes so long for her to finish a painting.

If you are in the Silver City area, Casita de la Tortuga is open for studio tours.....just call for an appointment.