November 2011

City of Charleston Features Works by Francina Smalls-Joyner

The City of Charleston will present, Abstract Painting 101: An Introduction to Francina’s Curvaceousness, a solo exhibition of oil on canvas by North Charleston artist, Francina Smalls-Joyner, on view from Nov. 9 through Dec. 8, 2011, on the 2nd floor at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, in Charleston, SC. A reception will be held on Nov. 18, from 5-7pm.

Francina Smalls-Joyner was born in Milwaukee, WI, in March of 1973. When she was 3 months old, and her older brother 3, her mother and father decided to move from Milwaukee back to Historic St. Helena Island, SC, where they were born and originally raised. Growing up on Historic St. Helena Island made Smalls-Joyner spiritual, well-rooted, and cultivated. To say the least, she is very proud to have come from a very small town with so many heritage, unique dialects, and interesting folk fables. 

In December 1995, Smalls-Joyner graduated from the College of Charleston, earning a BA in Art History and a BFA in Studio Art with concentrations in Painting.   She studied under such greats as Michael Tyzack, Michael Phillips, and Manning Williams. In March 1996, she became the Visual Arts Coordinator for the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. As years went on as the Visual Arts Coordinator, more demands were needed of her. As of April 2000, Smalls-Joyner became and remains the Volunteer Services and Visual Arts Coordinator for the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.

Smalls-Joyner comments on her work: “With a curvaceous signature style, this body of work has been in production for several months. It signifies a stage of my life, where I am most happy, most spiritual, and most blessed. My collection is not just limited to what you will see in this exhibition. I have a body of sketches and artist’s footnotes being transformed onto canvas, making my collection more substantial, most curvaceous, and uniquely Francina. As I mature artistically and spiritually, my collection will also. I am asking you to follow me through this journey and be a witness to my progression.”

For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Office of Cultural Affairs at 843/724-7305 or visit (http://www.charlestonarts.sc/).

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