Francesca
Montanile
Lyons
multi-disciplinary artist based in Philadelphia
My artistic work seeks to disempower shame and taboo through radical honesty and voyeuristic delight. I create art that is personal and intimate in an effort to reveal broader truths and reckonings, and create connection through vulnerability.
As an educator and facilitator, my work primarily applies play- and project-based pedagogy to arts learning, literacy, and sexuality education, grounded in trauma-informed practices.
Director & Performer
I specialize in creating new works of devised performance as a director, writer, and performer. I have extensive experience in physical theater, collaboratively built ensemble works, and theatricalizing autobiographical narratives. Each work starts with a particular question or provocation, and each piece creates the form and genre that it needs to be. They have ranged from pop-burlesque clown-bands, to verbatim-middle-school-diary plays.
Educator & Facilitator
I’ve worked with infants, school-aged children, university students, and adults - ranging from dramatic story times to adjunct teaching at Temple University & UArts, with plenty in between: visiting elementary school classrooms for the Arden Theater, bilingual arts and literacy classes with the Barnes Foundation & Puentes a las Artes, and relationship/emotional skill-building workshops with Girls Leadership.
Visual Arts & Crafts Maker
I make cheeky visual art that is quite often literally cheeky: drawings, comics, and animations that celebrate sensuality and eroticism. I’ve designed a line of sweet, kinky cards and slightly naughty embroidered gifts, such as pouches, shirts, and bookmarks.
Work with Me
I’m available for hire as a director and teaching artist.
Two shows are available for bookings: Vile and Good Grief.
I am available for commissions as a performance maker, illustrator, and embroiderer.
Other collaborations are also possible. Let’s talk!