Donna Franks-Tapley- Artist, Art Educator

I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, in a neighborhood with little exposure to the arts. As a preteen, I met a local airbrush artist whose murals and custom work sparked my curiosity, but it wasn’t until high school that I truly discovered the world of art. New media, techniques, and visual language fascinated me, and by my senior year I had fallen deeply in love with painting.

 

Encouraged by my high school art teacher, I pursued my passion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2D and 3D design and certification in K–12 art education. My first teaching position brought me back to my old neighborhood, where I was proud to introduce “real art” to the next generation.

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Now with over 20 years in art education, I currently teach painting and ceramics at Bolingbrook High School. I am also a working artist, muralist, and paint night instructor, dedicated to bringing people together through creative experiences. My personal work focuses on bold color, texture, and organic forms using acrylic and sand, a style I call Segments of Life—the inspiration behind my business name. Recently, I’ve begun exploring the use of symbols within the human form, continuing my journey of meaning, connection, and expression.

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Welcome to my SOL, Segments of Life, my site, my art, my journey my mission.

Enjoy!