A Long Beginning. . . I always found it difficult to talk about myself. I this and I that sounded too egocentric to suit my nature but obviously one needs to communicate — where you've been, what you've done. Art-wise I would place my beginnings into the 70s, maybe even the 80s or 90s. I've had a long beginning.     Briefly Earned B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in 1961 and three years later, M.S. degree from Southern Illinois University where he received his first award in a university-sponsored exhibition. Founded several design-related business ventures. Traveled to major art centers around the U.S., started painting in the late 70s and after working in over two dozen creative formats, embraced conceptualism by 2002. Became president of Hyattstown Mill Arts Project, a Maryland non-profit organization, in 2003. Studied environmental sculpture at Maryland Institute College of Art in 2006.   (From the Files) Shaffer's energetic and abstract style has been labeled “Pop Formalist,” quirky and playful. Recipient of nine awards, two from the Baltimore Museum of Art, he has shown paintings, drawings, sculpture and large scale installations in more than eighty formal exhibitions. His pen and ink drawings and portrait images have appeared in several literary reviews. His studio is located adjacent to his home in Frederick County, Maryland.

	Art Stories Ahhh, the artist's life. Comings and goings, incidents and accidents		3. Exhibitions List Resume—selected individual and group exhibitions since 1980

Above Left to Right In front of my studio in the summer of 2003 working on (and leaning on) Bar Barbara Ann. Untitled, DR-01, 1961, pencil on paper, 7 x 11 inches. One of the earliest works I have been able to locate, was done while a student at the University of Maryland; Self Portrait 2, AW-91, mixed media on board and [On Mouse Over] Self Portrait 3, Aw-66, mixed media on canvas, both 2002, 16 x 12 inches from the Companion Works Series.