Member Showcase - Williams Design Studio

Submitted by Roxanne Carter

Williams Design Studio
www.williamsdesignstudio.net

Paul and Bev Williams are artists who have owned the Williams Design Studio in Bethany since 1977. They restored the building that was once the old General Store originally owned by Paul’s great, great uncle.  In addition to the wall art, garden sculptures, jewellery and leather pieces that Paul and Bev design and create, they also showcase the work of other local artists. From May to the Thanksgiving weekend they open their secret garden, which features some of their fountains and water features.  

As strong supporters of the Kawartha Lake Arts Council, they generously donated a “Fountains, Frogs, Fish, and Faeries Experience” for the live auction at the recently held at the 4th Annual Community Celebration & AGM.  Funds raised through the Live Auction will be allocated towards the Kawartha Lakes Cultural Centre feasibility study. Bev and Paul appreciate KLAC’s extraordinary showcase of local artists and enjoy participating in the Annual “Made in Kawartha Lakes” Art Show & Sale now in its third year in Fenelon Falls, held on November 16 and 17, 2019.

Paul and Bev met at Black Creek Pioneer Village where Paul got his start creating art on leather, and to this day, he still uses antique tools made in the 1800s.   Bev studied art at the Ontario College of Art with a focus on weaving, making textiles and creating jewellery. They married at Black Creek. Bev wove the bridesmaids’ shawls and skirts and created her wedding veil in macramé. Paul made Bev a white leather wedding skirt with batik design at the bottom.

In the late 1980s, Paul installed a pond in the backyard and was inspired to create metal bulrushes.  Visitors inquired about these beautiful creations. Since water fountains were becoming popular, they began creating them as well.

Paul and Bev have visited South America on volunteer work trips building and creating art with students in Peru and Guinea. In addition to the fulfillment of teaching the students new techniques, their trips also served as inspiration for their own art.

The Williams Design Studio is part of the Kawartha Lakes Arts and Heritage Trail which, much to Bev and Paul’s pleasure, is becoming better known to the public. They appreciate that the Trail is year round and promotes natural heritage, heritage, culinary and the arts.

To find Williams Design Studio and full details on a wide variety of arts and cultural experiences and Trail stops, visit www.explorekawarthalakes.com.