Meet the Fodder School 6 Teachers: Francine Dunigan
Meet Francine Dunigan: Bold Color, Found Paper and Joyful Collage
What happens when you combine bold color, unexpected combinations and a whole lot of curiosity?
You get the vibrant, playful collage work of Francine Dunigan.
Francine creates colorful mixed media collages using found papers, painted papers and gel prints, transforming everyday materials into bold graphic compositions. Her work is energetic and layered, with an intuitive approach to color and form that makes each piece feel both spontaneous and thoughtfully designed.
And if you love bright colors, graphic compositions and discovering what happens when seemingly unrelated papers come together, you're going to want to meet Francine.
Francine has always been drawn to color. She loves experimenting with unexpected color combinations and finding those moments when colors come together in a way that surprises and delights the eye.
Her background in communication design plays an important role in her approach to collage. Francine holds a BFA with a concentration in communication design from Kutztown University, and that design training is evident in her strong sense of composition and ability to create artwork that feels visually clear while still full of energy and movement.
Based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Francine brings that same enthusiasm and playfulness to her creative process. She celebrates the possibilities of reclaimed materials and loves discovering what can happen when paper, paint and print are layered together.
Her work is a wonderful reminder that mixed media collage doesn't have to be complicated to be exciting. Sometimes, it's simply about putting color and materials together, trusting your instincts and seeing where they take you.
Francine's Fodder Challenge 2026 Project: Groovy Pear Fussy Cuts
Francine will be kicking off Fodder Challenge 2026 on October 1 with her colorful Groovy Pear Fussy Cuts project.
If you're new to mixed media collage, this is a fantastic introduction to many of the techniques you'll encounter throughout Fodder Challenge. And if you're a returning participant, it's a fun, vibrant warmup to get your creative wheels turning before the rest of the Challenge begins.
Francine's approach makes this project approachable while still leaving plenty of room for experimentation and personal expression.
And, of course, there will be plenty of that signature Francine color!
Francine's Fodder School 6 Lesson: Organic Concentric Circles Wall Art
Francine is also bringing her signature graphic style to Fodder School 6 with her Organic Concentric Circles Wall Art lesson.
We're getting a little retro with this one!
As both a professional gallery artist and graphic designer, Francine will share many of her go-to techniques for creating dynamic, layered geometric compositions. You'll explore color, shape, layering and composition while learning how to take your mixed media work beyond simply making a pretty piece.
One of the things we're especially excited about is how generously Francine shares the professional design principles behind her work. Her lesson is packed with tips for taking your artwork from hobbyist to professional, giving you insight into how an experienced artist and designer thinks about composition and presentation.
What Is Fodder Challenge?
Fodder Challenge 2026 is our month-long October creative event featuring inspiring mixed media artists, creative projects and plenty of opportunities to experiment. It's a fun, low-commitment way to discover the Willa Workshops community and try new techniques, whether you're new to mixed media or an experienced artist.
What Is Fodder School 6?
Fodder School 6 is our year-long mixed media art experience, featuring lessons from a diverse group of artists and instructors. Each teacher brings their own style, techniques and creative perspective, giving you a full year of inspiration and opportunities to develop your own mixed media practice.
How Can You Join?
You can join us in one of two ways:
Fodder Challenge 2026— A month-long creative experience and a great introduction to our community.
Fodder Challenge + Fodder School 6 Bundle — The best value if you're ready to continue creating with us throughout the year.
If you're curious about Fodder School but aren't ready to commit to a full year, Fodder Challenge is a wonderful place to start. And if you're already thinking, This is exactly what I need, the bundle lets you experience both.
Want to listen to Francine and I discuss her journey with mixed media art? Tune into my podcast, "Show Up or Shut Up."
Currently available for listening on the Willa Wanders website here, or on Apple Podcasts, Amazon and Spotify:
Get all of the information about joining us in Fodder School by clicking this button below:
Where are you on your Mixed Media Art journey? Leave a comment and let us know!