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Frank W. "Francois" Claytor Jr.
1936 - 2025
Frank Claytor Obituary
Frank "Francois'" W. Claytor, Jr.
November 4, 1936 - November 1, 2025
The world of Art mourns the loss of Frank "Francois'" W. Claytor, Jr., a rare creative spirit who passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2025. A true polymath of passion, Francois' was a visionary curator whose galleries transformed the Art scenes in both Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, VA.
Francois' first made his mark as the entrepreneurial force behind GalerieFrancois in Washington, D.C. from 1980-2000. During this period, more than sixty artists were exhibited from all over the globe, earning international as well as national recognition for the gallery. Exhibits have included talents from Sweden, Germany, the Middle and Far East Africa, Norway, Haiti, and France. Francois' made the often-intimidating world of fine art accessible to everyone. In 1984, then Mayor Marion Barry, Jr. presented a proclamation to gallery director and curator Francois' proclaiming October 6th as Galerie Francois' Day.
Additionally, the Galerie was featured in the fall edition of Ebony Magazine. Francois' served on numerous boards, but his favorite was The Barnett-Aden Gallery which is recognized as the first successful Black-owned private art gallery in the United States.
Francois' returned to his hometown of Roanoke, VA in early 2000 and opened GalerieFrancois' II on Campbell Avenue where he exhibited arts and sculptures from his private collection of over 50 years. In 2014, he closed his gallery to serve as Curator with the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. He was involved in organizing and promoting exhibitions from both local and national artists. Through his connection with The Smithsonian, he was able to bring several National Exhibits to the museum.
Claytor was praised for his insights into abstract expressionism and the use of color in art, as well as his ability to communicate the emotional impact of artwork to the public.
The early foundational years of Francois' were marked by a clear drive and a nascent talent that set the stage for his achievements in the areas of Real Estate sales, and as a Publicist in the entertainment industry representing such artists as Nancy Wilson and Dionne Warwick.
A native of Roanoke, Francois' was the first of eight children born to the late Dr. and Mrs. Frank W. Claytor. He attended undergraduate school at Knoxville College, graduate school at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and completed course work in communications at American University in Washington, D.C.
He is survived by his sister, Francine Claytor Mclaughlin (Sterling); brothers, Richard Claytor (Emma), Lewis Claytor (Janifer), Willard Claytor (Ruth), Rodney Claytor (Dolores), Philippe Claytor, and Conrad Claytor (Janet); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, colleagues, and dear friends. His brilliance, warmth, and laughter will be deeply missed by the countless lives he touched across every artistic medium.
In accordance with Francois' wishes, a private ceremony will be held by the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. Condolences may be sent to www.hamlar-curtis.com or [email protected].
November 4, 1936 - November 1, 2025
The world of Art mourns the loss of Frank "Francois'" W. Claytor, Jr., a rare creative spirit who passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2025. A true polymath of passion, Francois' was a visionary curator whose galleries transformed the Art scenes in both Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, VA.
Francois' first made his mark as the entrepreneurial force behind GalerieFrancois in Washington, D.C. from 1980-2000. During this period, more than sixty artists were exhibited from all over the globe, earning international as well as national recognition for the gallery. Exhibits have included talents from Sweden, Germany, the Middle and Far East Africa, Norway, Haiti, and France. Francois' made the often-intimidating world of fine art accessible to everyone. In 1984, then Mayor Marion Barry, Jr. presented a proclamation to gallery director and curator Francois' proclaiming October 6th as Galerie Francois' Day.
Additionally, the Galerie was featured in the fall edition of Ebony Magazine. Francois' served on numerous boards, but his favorite was The Barnett-Aden Gallery which is recognized as the first successful Black-owned private art gallery in the United States.
Francois' returned to his hometown of Roanoke, VA in early 2000 and opened GalerieFrancois' II on Campbell Avenue where he exhibited arts and sculptures from his private collection of over 50 years. In 2014, he closed his gallery to serve as Curator with the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. He was involved in organizing and promoting exhibitions from both local and national artists. Through his connection with The Smithsonian, he was able to bring several National Exhibits to the museum.
Claytor was praised for his insights into abstract expressionism and the use of color in art, as well as his ability to communicate the emotional impact of artwork to the public.
The early foundational years of Francois' were marked by a clear drive and a nascent talent that set the stage for his achievements in the areas of Real Estate sales, and as a Publicist in the entertainment industry representing such artists as Nancy Wilson and Dionne Warwick.
A native of Roanoke, Francois' was the first of eight children born to the late Dr. and Mrs. Frank W. Claytor. He attended undergraduate school at Knoxville College, graduate school at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and completed course work in communications at American University in Washington, D.C.
He is survived by his sister, Francine Claytor Mclaughlin (Sterling); brothers, Richard Claytor (Emma), Lewis Claytor (Janifer), Willard Claytor (Ruth), Rodney Claytor (Dolores), Philippe Claytor, and Conrad Claytor (Janet); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, colleagues, and dear friends. His brilliance, warmth, and laughter will be deeply missed by the countless lives he touched across every artistic medium.
In accordance with Francois' wishes, a private ceremony will be held by the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. Condolences may be sent to www.hamlar-curtis.com or [email protected].
Published by Roanoke Times on Nov. 9, 2025.
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