VERBAL OASIS

Poet and artist Monique Franklin, also known as Verbal Oasis, hails from Seattle, Washington. She is a member of African American Writer's Alliance and is published in their latest anthology "Threads". She has published two volumes of poetry entitled “Acoustic Accolades” and “Erotic Annals of a Poet”. She also has released a live album of poetry accompanied by a 3-piece Jazz band entitled Acoustic Accolades Volume 1. She currently co-host and co-produces Afrodisiac Erotic Poetry Show Celebrating the Diversity and sexuality of People of Color (Afrodisiac Seattle on Facebook). The subject matter of her poetry stems from the rich spectrum of her life experiences. In 2014 she was selected for the 4Culture touring artist roster and the CD Forum's Creation Project. This woman is a creative soul. Monique is also the owner and operator of Inspired Child, an arts organization which has been providing arts events for youth and families since 2006. She has over 20 years of experience organizing and leading youth arts activities in variety of settings, such as, Schools, Community Centers, and outdoor parks. She views her art and her vocation as an educator as a vehicle for social change.