Biography
Who is Francine Stowe-Sinkler?
A native of Virginia, Francine Stowe-Sinkler received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. It was there that she was awarded her first mural painting commission in 1990. She later received the Langston Hughes Award of Humanities in 1992 not only for her own artistic creations, but also for the production of Black Anthology, the first student written and produced African American history performance that continues annually today. This diverse background in both performance and visual art developed the foundation upon which Francine continues to expand as an artist.
Her painted quilts and textile creations pay homage to the often-overlooked artistic talents of women, fully embracing their contributions to the fine arts arena. Her work, while African-American centered, continues to express the universal lessons of love, diversity, determination, and growth. This intentional focus allows her to both share and embrace her own identity. In March 2000, a private exhibit entitled, Journey of My Mind, marked her launch into the visual arts profession. This show was successfully followed by two solo exhibits in 2001 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, multiple solo and performance exhibits have crossed the United States. Rolling Out Magazine described her as "a powerful artist" that remains centered on spiritual growth.
Francine's focus in the community embraces the youth. Activities that reach children using art as a tool and a bridge include interactive performances for Atlanta's Head Start Program (ages 3-5), teaching painting and textile design for City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs' ARTSCOOL Program (ages 14 -18), and teaching teachers to use art within the mainstream curriculum to reach students through a non profit organization called Creating Pride.
During her community work, Francine was encouraged by local principals to pursue her teaching certification in art education. Placing her exhibiting career on temporary hold, she expanded her creativity into the classroom, earning tenure with Atlanta Public Schools in art education. Most recently, she has relocated back to the east coast to teach art in Maryland with Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Always moving forward, Francine now embraces the roles of wife, mother, educator and artist to celebrate humanity in every form available to her hands. She believes that art is the extension of common ground upon which we all can stand. It creates the opportunity to share ideas, develop concepts, and embrace the experiences called life.
