(Fort Washakie, WY) – Folks who have recently shopped at the 23 Squared Gift Shop in Lander may have noticed some especially eye-catching artwork on a few of the greeting cards they have for sale, which were designed and drawn by Fort Washakie High School junior Frankie Monroe.
Bonnie Hamilton, Frankie’s Special Education teacher at Fort Washakie High School, shared with County 10 that Frankie has had a greeting card business at the high school for the past two years, “so that he could practice his money skills and share his art with the world.”
“We have been working with the DVR program to help him connect with job opportunities after he finishes high school,” Hamilton explained.
The Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, aka DVR, “empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve employment and independence through personalized support and services. From career exploration and job readiness to post-secondary planning, DVR helps clients overcome barriers and build brighter futures.“
“For students ages 14–21, DVR Navigators work closely with schools across the state to provide career exploration, hands-on learning, workplace readiness, and post-secondary guidance—helping young people take confident steps toward their future. Navigators also help students obtain driver’s learning permits, host life skills camps and workplace readiness workshops, and guide them in discovering their interests and sense of purpose.”
“We’re not just helping students plan for a job—we’re helping them discover their strengths, build self-confidence, and realize what’s possible,” local DVR Navigator Amber Nation shared. “Whether it’s through helping them earn a learner’s permit, leading a life skills camp, or simply exploring what excites them, it’s about showing them that their goals are within reach and giving them the tools to get there.”
Hamilton went on to explain that through this partnership, she made a connection with 23 Squared, located at 305 Main Street in Lander.
“This is a gift shop that only sells items made in Wyoming,” Hamilton commented. “They agreed to put a sampling of Frankie’s greeting cards on display, and Frankie signed an official contract.”
“Our small class (recently) took a field trip to the gift shop to see Frankie’s artwork. He is now a professional artist!”
In addition to now being a professional artist, Hamilton said that Frankie’s artistic and generous spirit extends elsewhere throughout the school.
Each school day, Frankie draws a new piece on the dry-erase board, and often gives personalized artwork to fellow students on their birthdays or just when it seems like they need a special gift.
Frankie also designed a mural currently on display at Fort Washakie Elementary.
Aside from art, Frankie is also a Special Olympics athlete, enjoys woodworking, making TikTok videos, and indigenous drumming.
Frankie’s favorite movies include ‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘Dog Man,’ and his favorite bands are Imagine Dragons, Gorillaz, The Black Eyed Peas and AJR. He also likes anime, and video games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Monster Jam, and Steel Titans.
With Hamilton’s assistance, Frankie provided the following write-up for County 10 about his life and passions.
The Story of Frankie
“I like to draw scary things, monster trucks, cartoons and Anime. And of course old school 1930s cartoons. I can also draw music artists.”
What I Use to Make Art
“Well, I use acrylic markers, colored pencils, and sharpies. I first use a pencil to draw on the paper and after I draw on the paper I like to use sharpies or black markers to draw black lines. After I draw black lines I use color after color until I am done. You already know that I am quick at drawing!”
What I do at Home
“I play video games and monster trucks. I watch YouTube, Monster trucks and TikTok in my free time. Sometimes I go to RC Monster Truck shows.”
Final Part of Frankie’s Story
“In 1st grade art class at Wyoming Indian I drew using my first grade mind. I drew cats, dogs and people. One day I drew a boy and girl fishing and I gave it to my art teacher. She loved it!”
Frankie plans to continue his artistic endeavors as he heads toward graduation, and you can also see his work at the Wyoming High School Art Symposium in Casper, which runs from April 30 through May 2.