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Francine Haskins interview transcript, 2021-08-29

 Item
Identifier: dcpl_dcohc039_02_tra.pdf

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

D.C. Oral History Collaborative (DCOHC) is a citywide initiative to train community members in oral history skills, fund new and ongoing oral history projects, connect volunteers with oral history projects, and publicize existing oral history collections. DCOHC is a project of DC Public Library, HumanitiesDC, and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. This collection contains oral history interviews, transcripts, and indexes produced by DCOHC grantees.

Dates

  • Creation: 2021-08-29

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Francine Haskins was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She attended D.C. public schools. She graduated from the Corcoran School of Art and Design (Advertising Design) and studied oil painting at Catholic University and fabric design through the Smithsonian Associate Program. Haskins began her art career at The New Thing Art and Architecture Center as a graphic artist. As an art educator she has worked in schools and community centers. She participated in art fairs including Black Memorabilia, Black Doll Shows, National Black Arts Festival, and Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Her work is featured in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her art has been featured in several exhibitions: Banneker-Douglass Museum, Annapolis, MD; American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, MO; Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.; and Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, Hyattsville, MD.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.13 Terabytes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Francine Haskins reflects on her journey through graphic design, retail, and mixed media art. After stepping out as an artist, dollmaker, art educator, author, and illustrator, she has continuously sought out support systems to sustain her work. She became known as the Doll Lady as an art educator in D.C. public schools and community fairs. She was a member of 1800 Belmont Art Collective where she initiated her Collectors brunch. This interview provides insight into the doors that Ms. Haskins has opened and doors that supported her as an African American artist when she stepped out on faith to follow her artistic path.

Occupation

Topical

Repository Details

Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository

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