YoYo
Genuine artistry is defined by several significant characteristics, one ultimately being that a work of art should make you “feel”. Yolanda Franklin has mastered the art of capturing emotion at its depth, transferring these emotions onto glass canvas via color and instinct. It is her instinct and natural gifting that sets her apart.
Yolanda Franklin is a self-taught/self-representing artist from Chicago, who began drawing at a young age. Yolanda accredits her artistic pursuit to being surrounded by her mother’s talent, an artisan in various forms.
Her Inspiration to pursue her artistic dream was inspired by Professional Artist, Penelope Osio-Brown of Osio-Brown Gallery located in Elmhurst, IL.
In 2004 Yolanda was Encouraged by her husband to pursue painting as a hobby, and from this encouragement, Yolanda attended various courses at Wheaton Community Center and Dupage Art League, where she learned various techniques to enhance her natural artistic capabilities. She is an accomplished artist with several awards under her belt that includes:
Voted “Peoples Choice” of Bolingbrook, IL Art in the Park (2007)
Purchase Award Winner (Wheaton 2007)
Featured artist on GoZabo.com for the month of December (2008)
Healing Arts Exhibit at Edwards Hospital (2008)
2014 Yolanda received “Honorable Mention” from the Wright in Kankakee Art Show.
Several opportunities have also allowed Yolanda public exposure to share, display and sale her creations from a variety of venues, such as:
The Southside Community Art Center (Bronzeville)
Community Bank (Glen Ellyn)
Central Dupage Hospital (Winfield)
Guenthier Gallery (Itasca)
Just Ducky (Naperville)
2007-Tevision debut on Chicagoing with Bill Campbell (ABC Channel 7). Yolanda shared the genesis of her artistic career
2009-Yolanda was named a favorite artist on reporter Randi Belisomo CLTV News Blog
2009-Featured in Chicago Tribune article titled “Artist Changing their perspective on fairs” written by reporter Leslie Mann
2010-Yolanda received recognition for her work on Examiner.com (Kimberly Hensel) from her participation in the Chicago Gold Coast Art Fair
2010-Yolanda is one of several featured artist in “Creative Glass” Art Book that is currently available on Amazon.com
2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017 & 2018 Yolanda was one of many talented artist in the Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Exhibits for the month of February! Yolanda received 3rd place award from 2013 Exhibit!
2013 – Dusable Museum “Shooting Stars” Exhibit curated by Andre & Frances Guichard of Gallery Guichard.
2013, 2014 & 2015 – International exposure in Aesthetica Magazine (London)
2014 – Honorable Mention from Wright in Kankakee Fine Art Show
2015 – Teaching YoYo ArtVine Sip and Paint Sessions www.yoyoartvine.com
Yolanda continues to learn, grow, and explore the artistic world by participating in various art fairs, competitions, Gallery and Museum displays throughout the year.
Yolanda gives all credit to GOD for the opportunities, her talent, her inspiration, and her passion.