DAPHNE, Ala. — Frances “Fran” J. Neumann of Daphne died unexpectedly of natural causes on Monday, June 28, 2021. She was 93. Reaching 100 was her oft-expressed goal.
An artist’s public legacy
Neumann was a prominent Daphne artist whose work reached a national audience through her extensive contributions to commercial advertising.
Her public works include the “Daphne” sculpture and fountain in front of Daphne City Hall, the Marietta Johnson sculpture in Utopia Park in Fairhope, and the Marie Howland sculpture now in the Fairhope library.
She taught sculpture at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope until her 90th birthday and continued commissioned work in her home studio until her last day.
A home built for art
Neumann designed her Daphne home to accommodate her profession and filled it with her own artwork. Portraits of famous musicians, literary figures and animals in watercolor, oil, pastel and charcoal hung on its walls, and sculptures of all sizes and media were placed throughout the house.
She also practiced bookbinding, crafted miniature furniture for dioramas and knitted miniature doll clothes. She loved classical music, built and played her own harpsichord, and played the recorder in baroque ensembles.
Survivors and services
She is survived by her sister, Julia Miller; her brother, Jim Neumann; nieces Hollis Campbell and Wendy Miller; and nephew Todd Miller.
A celebration of life will be held in October at the Eastern Shore Art Center.
