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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

I Am Me,

Finding Light in the Forest

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.”
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