The Art and Legacy of Frances M. Maguire
June 20 through September 1
This exhibition honors the art and legacy of Frances M. Maguire (1935-2020). “Frannie,” as she was known to friends and family, was a dedicated artist and arts advocate for more than 50 years. A mother of 9, Frannie began painting in the late 1960s, while her children were still young. During the 1970s, she pursued art full-time, studying at local art centers and programs, especially the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Woodmere Art Museum. The impact of these experiences, and the artists she encountered, can be seen throughout Frannie’s work. In this way, Frannie’s art forms a vital part of Philadelphia’s artistic heritage.
As an artist, Frannie was bold and fearless. She immersed herself in her materials, experimenting with a wide variety of mediums, formats, and styles. The exhibition is organized broadly into the various themes and techniques Frannie explored, as well as her stylistic development from representation to abstraction. Through brilliant, saturated color, Frannie communicated visually her love and passion for life, her family, and her faith.
Today, Frannie’s legacy and her lifelong mission to promote education, art, and culture endures in the various institutions and programs she helped establish or supported throughout the region. It is with great pleasure and gratitude that the Maguire Art Museum celebrates its namesake.