About the artist, Beth Ann Williams

About the Artist

Memberships

Specialties

In addition to the techniques presented in her books, Beth Ann teaches decorative machine quilting, heirloom machine applique, impressionist-style piecing, creative strip-piecing, quilted landscapes, color theory, and a wide variety of surface design techniques.

Although born in the United States,
Beth Ann Williams has spent a significant portion of her life in Europe and Africa. This breadth of exposure to diverse cultures is further enriched with a family heritage deeply rooted in Irish, Scottish, French, and English ancestry. As a result, she has enjoyed a lifelong appreciation for the richness of varied cultural and artistic traditions.

These life experiences have fostered a love for in-depth research in art, history and cultural anthropology. Beth is particularly fascinated with the interplay of color and value, the symbolism of color and image, and how widely perceptions of color and meaning can differ both on individual levels and across cultures. She is enthralled with the flow of line and the formation of pattern - both natural and man-made.

Beth Ann's quiltmaking pedigree, spanning generations, has gifted her with a profound respect for traditional approaches to the craft. However, she is best known for her innovative methods and more contemporary pieces. Her award-winning work has appeared in galleries, museums, books, magazines, and in calendars published by Martingale and Co. Individual pieces grace both public and private collections.

Beth Ann exhibits, lectures, and teaches workshops and classes on the regional and national levels, as well as locally in West Michigan. In 2007, she became the new Creative Director for Lakeshore Sewing, with stores in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Michigan. She also is the current president of the West Michigan Quilters' Guild.

Beth Ann is the author of three books, Celtic Quilts: A New Look for Ancient Designs, released in July 2000, Colorwash Bargello Quilts, released in May 2001, and A World of Quilts, released in August 2003. She also is a contributing artist in Within Sacred Circles by Susan Towner-Larsen, released in 2004, and Creative Cloth Doll Beading by Patti Medaris Culea, Laura McCabe, and Anne Hesse, scheduled for release in April 2007.

Beth Ann has lived in Grand Rapids with husband John Williams, and their daughters, Caryl Elizabeth and Connor Marie, since 1990.