About the Artist

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 late 2006, she became the new Creative Director for Lakeshore Sewing, with stores in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Michigan. She also is a past president of the West Michigan Quilters' Guild, and the founder and ongoing mentor of the two Lakeshore Fiber Artists groups.

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; Creative Cloth Doll Beading by Patti Medaris Culea, Laura McCabe, and Anne Hesse, released in April 2007; and Open Your Heart with Quilting by Kelly M. Smith, released in 2008.

In addition to her position at Lakeshore Sewing, Beth Ann also offers creativity coaching to a limited number of private clients and regularly co-hosts Storytelling in Fabric retreats with June Mears-Driedger.

Beth Ann has lived in Grand Rapids with her husband John and their daughters Caryl and Connor since 1990.