Donna Franks-Tapley

Sponsor: ExxonMobile

Guitar Location: Joliet Public Library

Guitar Name: “Sol Power”

Design Concept: The expressiveness for my guitar design came from the name of my studio, which is SOL and means “Segments of Life”.  In collaboration with the guitar sponsor ExxonMobil, who provides power and energy, together this brings “Soul Power”.  The guitar has 70’s themed graphics that show the power of color, movement, and energy.  The portrait represents a person like me who has the power to do anything that you put your mind to.  The color schemes are colors I’ve adopted over time: warm yellow, orange, brown, pops of turquoise, black, and white.  The lines in my work always suggest movement; our journey, our path through life and together this graphic truly represents soul power feeling of the 70’s, which is the decade I was born and helped bring the inspiration to light.   

Website: Www.Solartsolutions5.com

Artist Bio: I am an artist and educator, I am also the owner of SOL Sip and Paint Studio and Galleria in Joliet, IL.  Painting is my passion.  I received my BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and completed my Masters in painting at Governors State University. I currently teach painting and ceramics art at Bolingbrook High School.  I have 24 years in education and look forward to each new year educating my students.  I’ve recently become part of the Joliet Arts Commission and plan to be more involved in the local artist community.  My specialty is mural work, particularly in pre-school and daycare imagery.  In the past several years the subject matter in my personal work has brought new life to my paintings with a focus on color and textures.  I love painting portraits and shapes.  Organic shapes and natural tones dominate my work.  The segmentation in my work has become a norm and continues a theme I call “Segments of Life”.  I consider all my work to be part of my current state of being as I find myself involved in many different creative outlets.  I am happy making art happen while offering creative solutions for all.

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