Introduction
Geri Beam's passion for art began during her time in high school, where she actively participated in performing arts programs. This love for the arts continued to grow over the years, leading her to become involved in community theater for two decades.
Her dedication and talent eventually earned her membership in the prestigious Actors Equity Association in 2002. Alongside her theatrical pursuits, Geri explored various artistic mediums such as oil paints, ceramics, and fused glass. However, it wasn't until 2009 that she discovered her true focus after taking textile classes with renowned artists Laura Wasilowski and Jane Dunnewold. Recognizing her immense potential, Geri was accepted into Jane Dunnewold's highly esteemed Art Cloth Mastery Program in 2012.
As a result, she made the bold decision to retire from her 26-year-long career in the information technology field. Geri joined the Surface Design Association in 2011, and her exceptional work was showcased in the SDA 2013 Member's Show. Currently residing in Georgia and California, Geri is an active member of numerous sewing and quilt guilds. She dedicates her time to both teaching and creating remarkable works of art.
Artist's statement
I 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.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Mixed Media and Art Quilt
Specialize in art quilts and mixed media 2009 - Present
Computer Software for Quilting, Embroidery and Digitizing
RNK CraftNCut and Total Quilter, Premier+, EQ7 and EQStitch digitizing
Theatrical Costume Design
Costume Department Sonoma State University 2001-2003
Costumer for Roswell Village Playhouse, Atlanta GA 1992-2001
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
EXHIBITS
Fiber Expressions, Napa CA
2019 Saint Helena Library - Traditions on Highway 29
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 Finley Hall Community Center - Time Learns How to Fly, Floating to the Top
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
2016 - Mucha Nuevo Seasons, Gold Beam Wine Label, Traditions on Highway 29
2015 - Spring Fuchsias, Wicked, Window View, Allegro Risata
Ladies of the Lake, Lakeport CA
2015 - Dandelion Lifecycle, Awesome Wonder
2014 - Flower Tuft, Lizard, Window View, Winter Wood
Art Master 2012 Jane Dunnewold Program
Houston Quilt Show - Dandelion Life Cycle, Dragonfly Life Cycle
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