OUR SCHOOL
Take THE ARTIST PATH. Trek to the American South in Stone Mountain, Georgia for a rich and in-depth look at the connections between making art and writing. Artist Francia McCormack will lead classes, retreats, and workshops to expand their creative self. This school works with the children and adults of the Metro Atlanta area, particularly Stone Mountain, GA. Children of all financial abilities are welcome. Students are sponsored by local nonprofit groups and your support. We utilize art as a means of expression for anyone dealing with trauma or low self-esteem. Our wish list can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1CWGD539TO4C9?ref_=wl_share
Through guided exercises, we learn artists' and writers' techniques. We share our gifts and gain confidence to pursue the artist's life in everyday activities. We will gain insight and inspiration from nature walks, fire circles, calming meditation exercises, and communion with each other. There will be painting, drawing, collage building, scrapbooking, journal-making, writing exercises, and knitting with occasional guest teachers.
Classes, workshops, and retreats will be available for all ages - children, teens, adults, and seniors. Homeschooling in art and writing is available as well.
EXPERIENCE
Author, Journalist, Artist
Francia is a journalist who received her first degree in Journalism from The University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She received her Master's in Education from the University at Buffalo where she focused on integrating technology into classrooms. She has been employed by or written for CNET Networks, Ms. Magazine, the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, The Post & Courier and as an online freelancer for environmental and technology sites Inhabitat.com. She has won a Hearst award for editorial writing. Her writing focuses on education, science, technology and ethics. She is a mother of two; her hobbies include blogging, photography, and gardening.
Group Exhibitions
2020 Black History Month Exhibition, Library of the Manhattan Equal Opportunity Center (MEOC), NY, NY (curated by Gregory Mills)
2011 Manifest: A Conjuration of Radiance – A Tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat, Museum of African American Cinema, NY, NY (curated by Gregory Mills)
2011 While No One Was Watching, International Agency for Minority Artist Affairs, NY, NY (curated by Carla Chapelle)
2011 From Slave Ship to the White House, The Blackwash Art Gallery, New York, NY (Curated by Stacey Ellis)
Online Presence
2004 https://www.flickr.com/photos/harlemmama/albums/72157605497524862
2005 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ3R4GuXGnr7cBdsLd1VOZQ
https:/www.harlemmama.com
2022 https://www.francia.substack.com
2023 https://www.theartistpath.com
Education
2022 Emory Continuing Art Education, Atlanta, GA
2019 Spruill Art Center, Dekalb County, GA
2009 Master's in Education, State University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
2008 Cooper Union Continuing Art Education, NY, NY
2000 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
1995 Clarkston High School, Dekalb County, Clarkston, GA
Teaching Experience
2018 DeKalb County Schools, Substitute Teacher, K-12, Stone Mountain, GA
2008 Harlem Children’s Zone, Visual Arts Teacher - K-6, NY, NY
2006 Ms. Fran's Art School of Harlem, K-12
Books
A Memoir from the Tribe of Angels, pen name PL James
Asiyah S.
Working with Francia is a delight! She is focused, efficient, and very comfortable working with my international clients. Her work ethic, interpersonal skills, and ability to remain calm in high-pressure environments make her my go-to person. I only wish that everyone was as wonderful. She is an asset to every situation but particularly in a global context.
Eric F.
“Before Francia was promoted to Financial Analyst, I had the pleasure of working with Francia on the Advertising Sales team. She was a great listener, went the extra mile and she always took great pride in her work. Francia, despite the tremendous work load, always delivered her projects and assignments ahead of time, and she did it with a smile. I would give Francia a very enthusiastic recommendation. She is uniquely talented, a team player, and would be a valuable member of any company that places a premium on a hard work.”