Blue Pipes Painting

Deeply influenced by Picasso, Chagall, Dali and Matisse, Shirlee Frank was a talented artist who remained largely undiscovered during her lifetime. The octogenarian Californian, with a rich imagination, moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles to be near her daughter Lisa Frank. Shirlee Frank devoted herself to art fulltime once her two daughters graduated high school in the "˜70s. She studied at the University of California at Los Angeles art department as well as college workshops and studios in Santa Monica. Frank exhibited in several juried group shows where she won awards for her etchings. At first, she focused on watercolors for 10 years. In the "˜80s, Frank produced hundreds of detailed etchings and experimented with other printmaking techniques. In the "˜90s, she discovered hand-built ceramics, creating an impressive collection of masks, whistles and whimsical sculptures that are both primitive and contemporary, spanning history in their joyously provocative spirit. Frank ran the gallery at her Unitarian Church in Santa Monica for 20 years which focused on local artists. Every other year, she gave herself a one-woman show there. She delighted in art openings as live theater, attending perhaps thousands during her 45 years in California. Once in Atlanta, Shirlee Frank continued to attend local openings, often the oldest person in the crowd, yet always young at heart, easily engaging friends and strangers in conversation. Today, her daughter makes the entire collection available for sale including many pieces the artist would never part with herself. To experience Shirlee Frank's remarkable lifetime range, visit .