Q & A with Fran Decker, leader of the Harry S. Truman Foundation’s August 10 “TRU-ly Amazing Art” series Paint & Sip event

Artist Fran Decker, second from right, is pictured accepting the 2019 Anne McKee Artists Fund Miriam B. Good Award, which recognizes those who embody the Fund’s mission of “artists helping artists.” On Saturday, August 10 she will lead a “Paint & Sip” event for artists of all experience levels on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Fran Decker is a long time Key West-based artist acclaimed for her vivid and widely collected paintings of local landmarks, conch houses, marine themes, island critters and flora. On Saturday, August 10, from 10:00am – 1:00pm, she will lead a “Paint & Sip” event on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, Key West Florida. We caught up with the artist in advance of the event for some Q and A about her and her work:

Q: When/how did your interest in art first emerge/manifest, and when/how did you realize you had a talent for it?
FD: My mother loved painting and other craft endeavors so there were always art supplies around the house when I was growing up and she encouraged anything creative.  I painted my first “good” painting at age 12.
Q: When and how did you sell your first painting (or when/how did you go pro)?
FD: I was taking an art class at the Audubon House with Judi Bradford and she encouraged me to try selling my art so I joined Island Arts Co-op.
Q: Was there any particular painting skill you found particularly challenging to master and how did you meet that challenge?
FD: I am good at color and composition but not drawing.  I’ve learned some great “secrets” from artist and Cocco & Salem Gallery co-owner Jim Salem.  I’ve been a regular at his Thursday classes for 20 years.
Q: Any artists in your lineage; paint in your veins?
FD: Not pro, but I’ve got some talented relatives.  In addition to my mother, who painted some wonderful paintings, my paternal grandmother was also a skillful painter.
Q: What other artist from any era would you most like to meet and why?
FD: I’d like to do a paint and sip with Salvador Dali because his work is deliciously different and weird.
 
Q: Top three reasons people should attend your “Paint & Sip” event?
FD: 1) Plein Air painting forces you to see the big picture and not get hung up on details.  There’s something magical about painting on site within a limited amount of time. 2) Painting with others is inspiring.  I love seeing what unique ways people approach the same subject. 3) Paint and Sip….Drinks!  Two of my favorite activities.

The August 10 “Paint & Sip” with Fran Decker is the final of three 2024 “TRU-ly Amazing Art” events presented by the Harry S. Truman Foundation. Participants will be provided with an authentic 1911 roof shingle from the Truman Little White House as their canvas. Artists BYO outdoor painting supplies, such as easel or plein air box and tripod, paint, brushes, brush washing container, etc. Wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, with the first one complimentary for participants.

The mission of the Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve Florida’s only presidential museum—the Harry S. Truman Little White House—and to provide programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historical and cultural influences of the Truman era.

TRU-ly Amazing Art events are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Tickets and registration are available at www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.

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