Shirley Holt is known for her fantasy-like paintings, drawings and illustrations. Her work is in public, private and corporate collections in the United States and abroad. She has shown in gallery and museum exhibitions throughout the country, Canada and Japan.

Her book illustrations have earned her the "Benjamin Franklin" art awards for children's picture books and interior design.

Shirley Holt took part in the Kaiser Center Art Show for contemporary carousel artists and the World Trade Center art gallery for carousel paintings. She was commissioned for a cover painting for "Carousel Art" magazine.

She lives in the coastal city of Pacific Grove, California with her husband, Jack. She is the mother of four children: Jack Jr., Shirleen, Kelly and the late Robert Scott, a renowned metal sculptor. She has one grandchild, Scott Lee, who is the subject of many of her paintings.