Pat McLean-Smith is a multi-disciplinary artist. I create textile and paper art on canvas, hand-crafted crochet dolls, and crewel embroidery. In addition, I am a published poet and children’s book author.

Her artwork is centered around family, ancestors, and community.

After losing her son in 2021 and her daughter in 2026, creating art became a major contribution to Pat's  healing.

When creating,  she likes to incorporates a variety of mixed media elements such as acrylics, fabric, burlap, colored pencil, textured paper and jewelry.

The history of women with textile work is rich with cultural significance. Across cultures they have been using their skills as a form of artistic expression and to pass down traditions and stories.

African textiles, in particular hold a profound cultural significance. These fabrics are often characterized by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic designs.

Pat's  mixed-media  art works are a collage of cultures collected over the years to tell new stories. There is not always a plan when I begin. Often I work on several pieces at once to allow ideas to percolate. Each artwork consists of improvisational aspects. The stitch pierces paper and textiles; also, in the form of embroidery creates another visual language. Paper may be sewn to fabric contrasting hard and soft. Textiles hang like tapestries to form a sculpture or are quilted. Brush and pen connect to paper or fabric. Her  primary  use of African fabrics is a direct nod to my culture.

Her overall wish and primary goal is to progress in her art.  With God's help and her passion for canvas creations,  doll making and writing,  I seek always strive to create emotional and spiritual connections with people from all walks of life.

 in addition to her artistic life, Pat is a performance poet and teaching artist for the Woodmere Art Museum and the Philadelphia Art Sanctuary. She has facilitated workshops/lectures/performances for the Pan-African Studies Community Education Program at Temple University, the Mastery and Universal Charter Schools, The Department of Human Services, The United Way, as well as numerous other organizations, educational institutions and transitional homes.

Pat is the author of two books of poetry, “Ain’t Gonna Bite My Tongue No More.” and “Healing Her Hurts,” a collection of short stories and poetry. As well as two spokenword/music CD’s “Life, Love & Lyrics,” and “Poetry Pulls Pain.”  She is the recipient of several awards, to name a few, 1st place for the Sonia Sanchez/Audre Lorde Poetry Competition, 2nd place for Judith Stark Creative Writing Competition at Community College of Philadelphia, the 2005 and 2012 Art and Change Award and the 2006 Transformation Award from the Leeway Foundation.

Her poetry can be found in publications, anthologies, newspapers and e-zines such as “BMa: The Sonia Sanchez Literary Review – Legends and Legacies,” “Life Spices from Seasoned Sistahs,” and “Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets,” “For Women: In Tribute to Nina Simone,” and “APAIRY Literary Magazine.”

Most recently, she co-produced the hit stage production, UNSILENCED: Four Women of Color, a multidisciplinary performance piece featuring, poetry, song, dance, storytelling and music. In addition to which she offers the workshop titled, UNSILENCED: What does it mean to you? Find your voice, speak your mind and write your wrongs.

Pat is also the founder and director of TOMORROW’S GIRLS & WOMEN, a community enrichment program started in 2001. One of the main staples of the program is Tomorrow’s Girls Mentoring which provides activities for girl’s ages 6 to 14, in the areas of cultural arts, education and positive social programs and so much more.