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A Day at Buckingham Palace

July 2025

Featuring Shantell Martin

Recently, Shantell Martin was honoured with an MBE at Buckingham Palace for her contributions to the Arts and Charity. The experience marked a powerful full-circle moment, as she returned to her hometown of London after years spent building a creative path through her time in Japan, the U.S., and beyond.

Walking through the palace doors, Shantell reflected on the journey that led her there: decades of drawing, questioning, teaching, and building bridges through her work. What made the moment even more meaningful was that The Princess Royal personally awarded the honour, and that much of Shantell’s charitable contribution has taken place quietly, through long-standing collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and arts organisations around the world.

As an independent artist who has consistently dedicated her time, energy, and resources to supporting others, this recognition also highlights the importance of service-driven creative work.

Dressed by Ozwald Boateng and adorned with jewellery from Hirsh London, the day stood as both a personal milestone and a public acknowledgement that art with purpose matters.

An Airbnb Experience in LA – July 23

Mindful Drawing in Downtown LA

Shantell has partnered with Airbnb Experiences to host a unique drawing session in a thoughtfully chosen space in downtown Los Angeles.

This isn’t a drawing class, it’s a quiet, creative experience rooted in presence. Guests are invited to slow down, reflect, and draw alongside her and other guests, no experience required.

Join us for a calm and creative atmosphere, where you can be fully present and expressive.

Reserve a Spot Here

One Word – A New Drawing Series

This July, Shantell Martin is launching something fun and personal: a new drawing series called One Word. Participants are invited to submit a single word that is meaningful, powerful, or simply beautiful to them. It could be a name, a place, a goal, or even a principle. Shantell will transform each word into a unique, hand-drawn artwork.

The project will be open from July 14th to 9:00 AM on July 31st (EST). Once the window closes, the opportunity will no longer be available.

It’s an invitation to reflect, collect, and co-create something lasting and meaningful to you. Proceeds will be used to support PLAYNE.Art, Shantell’s creative education initiative, which focuses on making curriculum and activities for young people.

Order yours here: shop.shantellmartin.art