About the Artist
Susanne Williams

A woman walks on a brick alleyway along a wall with handpainted stars.

Photo by Alyssa Williams

I am a full-time artist based in Wheeling, West Virginia, with roots stretching back to the Sandhills of Nebraska. Along the way, my creative journey has been shaped by life in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and now the foothills of Appalachia — places that continue to inspire the spirit of my work.

My practice spans paintings, ceramics, textiles, and sculptural garments, all unified by a playful spirit, a love of storytelling, and a deep respect for the environment.

I strive to color outside the lines.

Cats, birds, and everyday moments of curiosity weave through my pieces, celebrating the lively character of the natural world. I am equally passionate about sustainability, often working with reclaimed materials to spark conversation about care, creativity, and connection.

With a Ph.D. in Communication Studies and nearly two decades in academia, I bring a thoughtful, narrative lens to my creative practice. I am fascinated by how art communicates — how it invites reflection, dialogue, and delight.

Ultimately, my work is an invitation: to see the extraordinary in the everyday, to celebrate color and character, and to find joy in the spaces where imagination and the natural world meet.

Education

Ph.D., Communication, Minor in Medical Sociology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

M.A., Communication, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

B.A., Speech Communication, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE

Selected Exhibitions

·      2025 — Adored: Our Lives with Pets, Mosesian Center for the Arts, Watertown, MA

·      2025 — Locally Centered Ceramics Exhibition, The Artisan Center Gallery, Wheeling, WV

·      2024 — Handmade Holiday, The Artisan Center, Wheeling, WV

·      2024 — OglebayFest, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV

·      2024 — Cross Currents, Stifel Fine Arts Center, Wheeling, WV

·      2017 — Artists Choosing Artists, The Burkholder Project, Lincoln, NE

·      2016 — Midwestern Invitational Exhibition, Rourke Art Museum, Moorhead, MN

·      2016 — Spontaneous: Works on Paper (Solo), Kimmel Gallery, Nebraska City, NE

·      2015 — The Bakken Boom!, Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND

·      2014 — The Constraint Show: Labels, Hjemkomst Cultural Center, Moorhead, MN

·      2013 — ManneqArt Wearable Art Show, Howard County, MD

·      2012 — One of a Kind Show and Sale, Chicago, IL

·      2011 — NICHE: The Show, Las Vegas, NV

·      2009-2012 — American Craft Council Shows, Baltimore, MD and St. Paul, MN

·      2009-2012 — Buyers Market of American Craft, Philadelphia, PA

·      2009-2010 — ACRE Shows, Las Vegas, NV

Selected Grants and Awards

·      2013 — The Piano Project, Public Art Grant, The Arts Partnership, Fargo, ND

·      2013 — ManneqArt Recycled Materials Award for 'Oil Spill' garment sculpture, Maryland

·      2011 — NICHE Award Winner, Fiber Surface Design, 'Crinkle Leather Mirror Frame'

·      2010 — NICHE Award Winner, Fiber Surface Design, 'Crinkle Leather Satchel'

·      2009 — Career Development Grant, Lake Region Arts Council, MN

Selected Experience

·      Artist/Owner, Private Studio (Self-employed), Wheeling, WV (2023–Present)

·      Artist/Owner, Willi Nilli Gallery (Self-employed), Fargo, ND & Nebraska City, NE (2008–2018)

·      Artist in Residence, Roger Maris Cancer Center, Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND (2014–2015)

·      Executive Director, The Uptown Gallery, Fargo, ND (2013–2014)

Professional Background

·      Retention Specialist & Title IX Coordinator Designee, Peru State College, Peru, NE (2020–2023)

·      Head Speech Coach, Nebraska City High School, Nebraska City, NE (2016–2018)

·      Assistant to the President for University Communication, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN (1999–2008)

·      Interim Provost, Tri-College University, Fargo ND and Moorhead MN (2005–2006)

·      Associate Professor (Tenured), Mass Communication, MSUM (2002–2008); Assistant Professor (1998–2001)

·      Assistant Professor, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND (1996–1998)

·      Communication Officer, Wayne State University College of Nursing, Detroit, MI (1994–1996)