A-FRANZEN-SHEEHAN art+design
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About

A-Franzen-Sheehan.com is a website dedicated to the work of Abigail Franzen-Sheehan, whose artistic practice examines the nexus of process with the feminine experience. This experience is one of political/social/religious/inane, resistance and affirmation, by women to face/fix wrongs. It is at times lovely, at times brutal, at times a complete conundrum.

A. Franzen-Sheehan’s Silver Top studio in Squirrel Hill/Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA shortly after renovations were completed.

Recent Projects | Exhibitions:

Exhibitions:
Fair Warning
At Home With War
Sustain, Transform, Innovate

Random projects:
Regarding Roe and others

Videos:
In the Studio
Studio Farewell
Studio Renovation

Studio visits | available upon request

CV | here

Abigail Franzen-Sheehan is an artist exploring the nexus of feminism, politics, and history. Drawing on imagery from the 1600s to the present, her assemblages layer altered historical sources with personal and domestic materials. Through aesthetic and procedural choices such as hand-stitching and embroidery; leaving raw edges; and using reclaimed textiles; her work situates traditionally gendered labor within male-dominated art historical forms. She raises questions of power, inheritance, and domestic space in the novel forms. See concepts for more.

Abigail’s work has been exhibited in solo and group shows over three decades. Her career as an exhibiting artist, and a museum professional has marched forward despite and because of the detours of motherhood. Her early exhibitions of figurative abstractions were in direct relationship to birthing children and her unique use of photographic silkscreen is in direct relationship to her work at The Andy Warhol Museum for 20+ years. As publications director for seven years, she managed a dozen+ book projects. As an associate curator in education, she developed contemporary arts curriculum that was translated for world audiences. She has written content for and designed museum collateral—everything from print brochures and exhibition graphics, to exterior banners and permanent gallery signs.

Franzen-Sheehan does graphic design and creative consulting for clients while maintaining an active studio practice. In 2024 AFS moved from her 30-year studio in W. Homestead, to a newly renovated space in her residence. Watch videos for details.

Abigail received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Rhode Island School of Design, and spent a year in Rome, Italy in the European Honors Program.

Abigail currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she raised her two sons and now competes in dog agility with her border collies. See more of her Favorite things.