Born in Sansepolcro, Italy, Franco Alessandrini was recognized at the early age of 14 as a master artist, beginning his career with his first one man show in 1958. His formal study of art and training was in Florence. In 1968 he began exhibiting his art internationally, winning the first prize in the Tenth Annual Southern Contemporary Arts Festivals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In the 1970s Franco became a permanent resident of Louisiana, traveling back to Italy for shows and commissions. In 1984, he was the Artist in Residence of the Italian Village in the World Exposition held in New Orleans.

Over his long career, Alessandrini has become skilled in all mediums, including: oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings; charcoal, ink and pencil drawings; marble and bronze sculptures. He additionally creates graphic art and print media. He has received international attention for his work on several documentaries for television and radio.

Some of Alessandrini's major works include “New Orleans,” a Byzantine-style mosaic permanently installed at the entrance of the Ernest Morial Convention Center, New Orleans; “Monument to the Immigrants” in Woldenberg Park, Riverfront, New Orleans; and “Columbus Monument” in Baton Rouge.