Artist Betsy Franco-Feeney is a lifetime resident of the lower Hudson Valley residing in Piermont for the past 20 years. Some call her a renaissance woman possessing the skills of illustrator, photographer, graphic artist, videographer, set designer, art curator, and social media specialist.
Among her published children’s books are two collaborations with the incomparable Christine Lavin, one of which garnered a “Best Books” award by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Two more recent books include Jewels of the Sea, the Hunt for Floating Treasure as well as her 1/1/2025 release of The Squirrels of StuyTown, written by Kit Golden with illustrations by Betsy.
Besides portrait and event photography, Betsy loves capturing the beauty of Piermont and the Hudson River Valley through her camera lens.
Betsy has spoken at conferences across the country including the Society of Illustrators in New York City and the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Symposium in Baltimore, MD. She also conducts environmental school programs based on her children’s books at elementary schools throughout the area. With her presentations to students, the children experience subjects such as the unquenchable hands-on learning about the topics in the books, like diatoms, and strong enviornmental and save-the-planet initiatives.
Always very civic-minded, Betsy has worked pro bono for various institutions including Hospice and the Piermont Civic Association. She is also a long-time board member of the Piermont Historical Society and a passionate promoter of its rich history.