| Introduction
Geri Beam's love of art was first expressed through participation in high school performing arts programs. Active in Community Theater for twenty years, her commitment led to membership in the Actors Equity Association in 2002. Concurrently, Beam explored oil paints, ceramics and fused glass, but found her focus in 2009, after taking textile classes with Laura Wasilowski and Jane Dunnewold. Accepted into Jane Dunnewold's Art Cloth Mastery Program in 2012, she chose to retire from her day-job after twenty-six years of working in the Information Technology field. Beam joined the Surface Design Association in 2011 and her work was included in the SDA 2013 Member's Show. She is currently a member of several sewing and quilt guilds in California, and devotes her time to teaching and creating art. Artist's statementI am compelled to create. If a day goes by without creative release, dark, mental clouds gather! Making art clears the air, brings light, and relieves the stress of everyday life. My goal is to express my deepest feelings and to help others to do the same. There is nothing so sweet as to see someone experience an ah-ha moment. An inner voice guides me. I work quickly and intuitively - letting myself get lost in the moment of creation. My preferred materials are luxurious natural fibers that feel good to touch. Tactile textures and rich color add the complexity I seek, yet simple lines, capable of expressing movement or feeling, are what I value most. I use sparkle and shine to generate realism; but sparingly! I am currently honing my craft and clarifying my artist's voice. Expanding the tools in my creative tackle box avoids boredom and lassitude. Incorporating computer technology and software programs balances any weakness in manual processes. I continue to create classes and lectures to teach others how to tap their creative voice. I hope to inspire and influence the lives of others through my art, and through sharing the gifts I have been given. |
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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE |
Mixed Media and Art Quilt Computer Software for Quilting, Embroidery and Digitizing Theatrical Costume Design Costumer for Roswell Village Playhouse, Atlanta GA 1992-2001 |
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE |
CraftNCut and ScanNCut classes at Meissner's Sewing and Vacuum Center 2018-2020 Assistant to Jane Dunneworld The New Art Cloth at Art Quilt Tahoe 2012 Art Quilt Classes New Pieces Quilt Shop, Berkeley CA 2012-2014 Art Quilt Classes Village Sewing Center, Santa Rosa, CA 2012-2016 |
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EXHIBITS |
Fiber Expressions, Napa CA 2019 Napa Valley College - Concealment, RLS Park On a Clear Day 2016 Pacific International Quilt Show - Traditions on Highway 29 2014 Saint Helena Library - Wicked Pointless Sisters, Santa Rosa CA 2019 Sonoma County Quilt Show Featured Artist - Traditions On Highway 29 2018 Spring Lake Village - 12x12 inches, Iris, Bleeding Heart 2018 Pacific International Quilt Show - Bee-Loved 2018 - Occidental Center of the Arts - Floating to the Top, Favorite Flowers 2017 Wine Country Quilt Show - Concealment 2017 Finley Hall Community Center - Over the Rainbow, Molly Mantis Does Social Media 2017 Occidental Center of the Arts - Molly Mantis Does Social Media 2016 Heron Hall Art Gallery - Laguna de Santa Rosa - Concealment 2016 Wine Country Quilt Show - X-Dash 2016 Occidental Center of the Arts - Concealment, X-Dash 2015 Occidental Center of the Arts - Windshield, Two Halves Make a Hole, Awesome Wonder 2015 Rincon Valley Library - Awesome Wonder 2015 Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club - Two Halves Make A Hole 2014 Finley Hall Community Center - Point of View 2014 Sprint Copy Center, Sebastopol CA - Two Halves Make A Hole Napa Valley Quilt Show 2015 - Spring Fuchsias, Wicked, Window View, Allegro Risata Ladies of the Lake, Lakeport CA 2014 - Flower Tuft, Lizard, Window View, Winter Wood Art Master 2012 Jane Dunnewold Program |
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MEMBERSHIPS |
Member - Fiber Expressions - Napa, CA 2013 - Present Member - Finding Voice Design Group, Berkely CA, 2014 - Present Member - American Sewing Guild, Santa Rosa Chapter, 2010 - Present Member - East Bay Heritage Quilters - Kensington, CA 2014 - Present Member - Emeritus Member Pointless Sisters, Santa Rosa, CA Present Member - Active Member Pointless Sisters, Santa Rosa, CA 2014 - 2019 Member - Actors Equity Association 2002 - Retired 2016 Member - Art Beyond the Surface - Online gallery Member - Northern California Quilt Council (Teacher) - Pleasant Hill, CA 2014 -2019 Member - Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild - Lake County, CA 2013 - 2016 Member - Napa Valley Quilt Guild, Napa, CA 2013 - 2019 Member - Santa Rosa Quilt Guild, Santa Rosa, CA 2012 - 2016 Member - Waste Water Women Design Group, Santa Rosa CA 2009- 2012 Member - Embellishment Club, The Sewing and Vacuum Place, Santa Rosa CA, 2011- 2014 |