Francie Allen is a newcomer to the Bay Area, having spent most of her adult life sculpting, teaching, and creating community art projects in the Pacific Northwest.

She grew up in a 1769 colonial farmhouse overlooking a New England village. She was an activist in the civil rights movement of the 1960’s and early 70’s, participating in marches with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Allen holds a BA in fine arts and art history from Smith College, as well as a BFA in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design. After relocating to Seattle, she earned an MFA in sculpture at the University of Washington.

Francie has always enjoyed collaboration and - in addition to her studio art - she has worked with dance troupes and theatre companies to design sets and installations for concerts. She has also worked with community organizations and local county governments on art projects to foster environmental awareness.

Allen has a thirty-year exhibition record, both nationally and internationally, as well as numerous regional solo shows of her sculpture. Both her concrete and cast paper pieces have won several national awards. Her large concrete “guardian figures” are permanently installed outdoors in city and private art collections in Puget Sound.

In addition to her teaching, exhibiting and community work, Francie spent ten years operating a production studio where she designed, created and marketed cast concrete garden sculptures. Her water bowls and fountains can be found in gardens all over the Pacific Northwest.

Francie moved to the Bay Area in 2003, beginning a new body of work in cast paper, fabric and mixed media. In addition, she teaches 3-D design and sculpture courses at a local college. She has one son, who is a senior at the University of Southern California.