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Fran Reed

1943 – 2008

American fiber artist and teacher

Teacher Artist Fiber artist
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About Fran Reed

Lived 1943 – 2008 (aged 65). Fran Reed was an American teacher, artist and fiber artist.

Frances Ann Reed (née Williams; June 12, 1943 – September 11, 2008) was an American fiber artist and teacher based in Alaska who specialized in a distinctive style of basketry made from dried fish skins and other natural materials found in the state.

Biography

Early life Reed was born Frances Williams in La Jolla, California, on June 12, 1943, to parents Charles and Mary Alice Williams. Reed, a competitive swimmer, graduated from La Jolla High School in 1961. She met her husband, Dick Reed, in 1961 while both were students at the University of Oregon. She began teaching weaving at an art school in Eugene, Oregon, after her graduation. She is survived by her husband and children.

Reed's final scholarly paper, entitled Embellishment of the Alaska Native Gut Parka, was presented posthumously at the 11th Biennial Textile Society of America Symposium in Honolulu, Hawaii, by Audrey Armstrong. Armstrong, an Athabascan basket maker and friend of Reed, had been taught many techniques and skills by Reed.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Employers
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Also known as
Frances Ann Reed

People in Fran Reed's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Fran Reed's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Fran Reed?

American fiber artist and teacher

When was Fran Reed born?

Fran Reed was born on 12 June 1943 in La Jolla.

When did Fran Reed die?

Fran Reed died on 11 September 2008 in Anchorage.

What was Fran Reed's occupation?

Fran Reed was a teacher, artist and fiber artist.

What nationality was Fran Reed?

Fran Reed was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Fran Reed

· Wikidata: Q5478187

· DBpedia: Fran Reed

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Fran Reed. https://biography.guide/fran-reed/

MLA: "Fran Reed." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/fran-reed/.

Chicago: "Fran Reed." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/fran-reed/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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