Beth Shannon studied painting and humanities at UC Berkeley where she graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1991. Beth then began renting a studio at the Point in Hunters Point Shipyard where she painted for 28 years. She primarily showed and sold her work during Open Studio with some outside juried exhibition opportunities, most notably the Selections Show at Yerba Buena Center in 2000.
About 4 years ago Beth felt the urge to try a different medium and began learning about metal jewelry. This in turn lead to making polymer clay jewelry which is her current medium. She loves the versatility and ability to make colorful pieces.
Beth worked at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco for six years first as a volunteer gallery guide and then as a children’s art teacher in the outreach program to local schools.
Over the years Beth has volunteered in other ways: reading to the blind at Laguna Honda Home and as a counselor for the Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Prior to becoming an artist, Beth was a retail buyer for areas such as outerwear, dresses and ladies’ sportswear. The work included extensive travel to New York and Asia. She also taught negotiating skills to other buyers and their assistants.
Beth was born in Maine and moved to Dallas, Texas after graduating from Fashion Merchandising school. She met her husband-to-be there, Kevin. After their marriage they moved to San Francisco and have lived here for the last 40 years.
