Artist Talk: Fran Joy & Angela Williams

Fran Joy

The purpose behind my work is to show the power, strength, and triumph of the human spirit. As I witness the loss of life and humanity throughout the world, I am drawn to those who believe that the power of their faith and the strength of their spirit and character are what truly matters and will make a difference in life.

In my own spiritual journey, heavy losses have made each blessing more meaningful and relative to whom I have become. In some images, I have emphasized the eyes that are windows to the soul. I’m going for their essence more than their exact look. Some are powerful icons revealing the impact of their experiences, their fortitude, and their vision for the future. Other images are meant to convey a message that I hope will make one stop for at least a second to experience one’s own sense of humanity and spirituality.

Some images are based on the power, energy, vibrations, and strength of the female as well as people of color in a time such as this.

Angela Williams

My work explores the beauty and relationships to African art, culture, fragments, symbols, and markings.

I always knew I wanted to be an artist. My creative journey began very early. My mother was also an artist and supported my interest in the arts. Dance and music lessons, art museums, and stage plays filled our weekends. Those memories fill my heart and keep me going—she inspired me to be a free spirit and follow my dreams.

My love of the African aesthetic and deep desire to connect with my ancestral creative heritage intuitively guides my creative journey. My work explores the beauty and meaning of symbols and patterns. Recreating and reconstructing a visual narrative that celebrates and explores a lost connection to my ancestry is at the heart of my work. From my earliest watercolor portraits of Africans and African-Americans to the abstract reconstructions of patterns and symbols, the central theme of my art is discovering the African diaspora.

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Fun Fact: With over 100 works on display, Creative Coworking never takes a commission: 100% of the selling price goes directly to the artists. Consider gifting local art this holiday season, most of the art on display is ready to buy directly from the wall!

Plus, ongoing exhibitions by these fine Evanston & Chicagoland artists:

Shellie Argeanton • Raissa Bailey • David Bender • Michael Berns • Zhanna Biletska • Annelise Bronsveld • Amethyst Cannady • Jean Cunningham • Melanie Deal • Elyse Fineman • Kathryn Gauthier • Larry Geni • Kathy Gemperle • Ted Glasoe • Rebecca Hill • Fran Joy • Sarah Kaiser-Amaral • Adriana Kamenetsky • Virginia Kondziolka • Ian Lantz • Janet Latshaw Simons • Elisa Ann Lindstrom • Rhonda Long • Joseph Masunas • Christine McClure • Robyn McMurray Hurtig • Amee McCaughan • James L. Merriner • Angela Murphy • Kristen Neveu • Annette Kirsten Patko • Ayla Pizzo • Adriana Poterash • Carolyn Potts • Virginia O. Roeder • Ron Rutowski • Robert Shiverts • Sorcha • Kyriakina Valavanis • Bruce Lee Vernon • Komal Wadhwa • David Wilkerson Jr. • Angela Williams • Jerry Woods

Learn more about Creative Coworking fine art gallery here

If you have questions about our Evanston art gallery or are interested in displaying work, please email [email protected].

And follow Creative Coworking on Facebook • Instagram

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When you enter Colvin House or any Creative Coworking event, you enter an area where photography may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to photography and its release, publication, or reproduction to be used for news, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Creative Coworking. You release Creative Coworking, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, digitizing, or publication and use of photographs and/or computer images. By entering the premises during an event, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Creative Coworking or the person or entity designated to do so. By purchasing a ticket with this notice provided, you have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the event. If you predict this being personally problematic for you but you still wish to attend the event, please reach out to our staff in advance of the event to let us know, so we can take steps to protect your privacy.

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