Emery Franklin grew up in an impoverished area in South Memphis. The youngest of six children, he always aspired to be an artist. His first realization of his artistic talents were realized when he was in junior high at Vance Junior High School in Memphis. His art teacher would assign him projects to create drawings and paintings that were used to teach his classmates the techniques and skills of creating art.
Throughout Emery's years of drawing and painting, his artwork has become an expression of our rich cultural heritage. There are certain principles that Emery has carried throughout his life that has greatly influenced his work. He believes his hands have been guided by God, as he always prays before starting each new creation. His family values are deeply rooted in religion, trust, and honesty. Emery has always felt the needed to give something back to the community. Through his artwork, he exemplifies the rich heritage of African Americans struggles and achievements. He feels that our youth need a positive role model, so he likes to spend time motivating and encouraging youth by setting a positive example for them. With this type of enthusiasm, they realize all their dreams are reachable with prayer and dedication. Emery believes that God has blessed him with a way of contributing to the uplifting of his people through his art.
As an artist, he loves to draw and paint beautiful people and places that touch the heart and soul of the collector. He would like to invite each and everyone who views his art to step into the painting and re-live a past experience or enjoy a brand new one.
Emery Franklin - Accolades and Awards
Emery was commissioned in 1998 to create the cover for the Memphis Black Heritage Calendar, and annual even in Memphis. He has pieces that were featured at the Civil Rights Museum in 2004 and the Vesta Home Show in 2006. His paintings and prints are seen throughout Memphis communities in local art galleries, offices, and also throughout the United States. Tennessee Crossroads. has also taken the opportunity to interview and show some of his work on the P.B.S. television stations.
Selected Collections:
Memphis First Community Bank, Memphis
Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Memphis
Shelby County Government
Selected Bibliography
Playbook, Commercial Appeal, 2007 2008 2009 2011 2013 American art collector 2012
Fanfare, Commercial Appeal, January 18, 2004
Money and Business, Commercial Appeal
Memphis Flyer, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010-12-13
River News 2000 2001 2005 2008 20013
Africa in April 2012 Commissioned Artist
Awards and Honors
Cover Design, Memphis African American Historical Calendar 1998-99
Black History Awards, Memphis, 1998
Sheraton Casino, 1998 2001 2003 2009 2010
First Tennessee, 1998
Baptist Memorial Hospital, 1998
Designed cover for The 28 Days of February, special edition, 1998
the links river city chapter artist 2011
Selected Group Exhibitions
National Black Fine Art Show, Puck Building
Gallery Fifty Six. Memphis, TN
Gallery Swarm, Chicago, Il
WKNO TV Channel 10, PBS, Annual Art Auction, 1998 THROUGH 2011
Joy Smith Gallery. 'God Bless The Child", Memphis, TN
Dorothy Jean Gallery, Memphis, TN
National Civil Rights Museum, 2004-2006
Vesta Home Show, 2006
Tennessee Crossroads Television. 2011 2012 2013
Solo Exhibitions
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Library Gallery, February 2011 2012 2013 Harlem fine arts Show Feb-10-12 -New 2004 2005 2007 2008 2010 2012 2013
DICK MISLury Awarus, mentipr15, 1990
Sheraton Casino, 1998 2001 2003 2009 2010
First Tennessee, 1998
Baptist Memorial Hospital, 1998
Designed cover for The 28 Days of February", special edition, 1998
the links river city chapter artist 2011
Selected Group Exhibitions
National Black Fine Art Show, Puck Building
Gallery Fifty Six, Memphis, TN
Gallery Swarm, Chicago, Il
WKNO TV Channel 10, PBS, Annual Art Auction, 1998 THROUGH 2011
Joy Smith Gallery, 'God Bless The Child", Memphis, TN
Dorothy Jean Gallery. Memphis, TN
National Civil Rights Museum, 2004-2006
Vesta Home Show, 2006
Tennessee Crossroads Television. 2011 2012 2013
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Library Gallery, February 2011 2012 2013 Harlem fine arts Show Feb-10-12 -New 2004 2005 2007 2008 2010 2012 2013
American Art Collector Magazine Feb 2012 Artexpo new York 2009 2010 2013 ART business news 2012-2013