Biography of Patricia Franklin

Like so many youth, Patricia Franklin used to draw (and paint) all the time.  Her artwork was often recognized and one of her paintings was chosen to hang at the Department of human Resources at the federal government building in downtown Washington, D.C.  After college, she became a Nationally Board Certified Special Education Teacher.  Art and music were an integral part of her teaching technique.  Serving as cultural arts coordinator for her school, Patricia brought in over ten thousand dollars each year to provide additional arts funding and put artists into classrooms with students.  An outspoken supporter of the arts, she was recognized for contributions by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission.  Franklin also served as Coordinator of the North Carolina Songwriters Co-op, a non-profit organization dedicated to the support and promotion of songwriters in the state of North Carolina from 2009 to 2015. 

Honored to be selected, Patricia represented the State of North Carolina as an educational specialist in Japan and later represented Wake County in India as part of the Fulbright Teacher program and the Center for International Understanding, respectively.  Upon her retirement from public education, she was presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by the Governor of North Carolina.  The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. 

Believing you should “live each day with positive thought and be inspired to share joy, laughter, excitement, and kindness with the world”, Patricia’s major life motto is to “focus on the positive”.  She is listed on the Wall of Tolerance at the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Alabama, honoring those leading the way toward tolerance and justice in America. 

Since retiring from education, creative expression moved to the forefront.  Ms. Franklin has written several children’s books including one for each grandchild, written and performed her original songs, and reaffirmed her love for the visual arts.  

Art, especially painting, has taken a prominent role.