Francesca Olsen is a textile artist, writer, and consultant.
Her creative work focuses on storytelling, heritage, ritual, magic, and the power and significance held in objects and stories. Olsen is a connector whose work aims to build community by holding space for others and creating a dialogue around legacy, history, and the symbolism we assign to it.
As a Stage 4 cancer patient, Olsen aims to create work that bridges survivors, caregivers, family members and supporters, providing perspective and education about cancer treatment and recovery to reduce stigma and prejudice.
Witness: Sharing Cancer Stories
Witness: Sharing Cancer Stories is an exhibit of seven quilts exploring the experience of young adults during
and after cancer treatment. It was first exhibited at Ventfort Hall in Lenox in 2025, and was featured
as a special exhibit at the 2025 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.