“We worked with Will developing a course on quilting at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. This was our first program within a new format, a virtual 'Studio Series' program which aims to bring emerging and established designers into dialogue with one another, and peek behind a designers' process. Will went above and beyond our expectations, often providing ideas that we didn't know we needed - creating a virtual resource, a video guide, and keeping in touch with the students as they worked on their quilts. He was flexible, incredibly creative, and a wonderful collaborator as we put the program together.
The three-session series Will designed aimed to give students the chance to develop their own artists statements, and then develop a quilt based off their ideas. Many of our students had experience with quilting but had never created anything conceptual. The final presentation of students' work was incredibly moving, as students tackled big ideas from social justice to healthcare to memorial. As an educator and a maker, Will created space for the students to be bold in their ideas. He managed the virtual aspect of an incredibly dynamic group seamlessly and was so warm and responsive to their needs. As an educator, this was one of my favorite programs I've been a part of, and one that our team at Cooper Hewitt still references and discusses. Will is an incredible mind and facilitator, and we look forward to working together again!”
Kirsten McNally, Manager of Integration Programs
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
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"Village Squares Quilters is a small guild comprised of quilters with a variety of different interests who are united in our love of making things out of fabric and our interest in growing artistically. We were fortunate to have Will Daniels as a recent presenter. Wow, he is passionate about his work and his quilts are meticulous and inspiring. But beyond that Will brought to his presentation an intellectual component that sometimes we as artists neglect. (Note to self: I am an artist, not "just" a crafter). He detailed to us his process for creating his work and reminded us to take the time to really see art (our own, his and others). Thank you, Will, for coming to our guild and opening my eyes and my mind."
Donna Greene
President, Village Squares Quilters
http://www.villagesquaresquilters.com
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“William Daniels is an incredible quilt artist. His work is amazing! He taught a workshop called “The Art of The Reveal” to the NYMMQG. It was amazing from start to finish. I learned so much about creating unique quilts from him. William was extremely supportive, caring and helpful throughout the whole process. We worked through a deck of information that he created for the class, which was extremely helpful. His advice helped his students create unbelievable quilt artwork. I would love to have him teach another class.”
Lorraine Lucas
NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild
The Art of the Reveal – 3 Session Series
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“So very glad to have been in this workshop and learn from you. Thanks for all your coaching and enthusiasm.”
Cynthia Clark
NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild
The Art of the Reveal – 3 Session Series
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“Will’s approach is unique and empowering. He encourages students to create with intention, which means spending time focusing on what you want to do and achieve with the work you’ll create. So, by the time you’re sewing, you have a concrete goal and vision. I participated in two of Will’s workshops, and both times was happily surprised by my own work. He got me away from my fallback tricks and pushed me toward purposeful designs that express my voice as a quiltmaker.”
Bruce Goldstone
NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild
The Art of the Reveal – 3 Session Series
Studio Series w/ William Daniels – Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian - 3 Session Series
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“Thank you again for this incredible journey and your generosity with your time.”
Lisa Vosper
NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild
The Art of the Reveal – 3 Session Series
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“Thank you so much - I have grown so much in this experience. I'm excited to embark on a project that I've been dreaming about, and this has been the groundwork I needed. You've been a terrific guide and teacher.”
Maren Berthelsen
NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild
The Art of the Reveal – 3 Session Series
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“Thanks for all the guidance throughout this process. I am very excited about the directions I am beginning to head in!”
Anthony Bowman
NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild
The Art of the Reveal – 3 Session Series
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“I had known William a few years through the NYC Quilters of Color Guild prior to my taking his BOVID MASK workshop in 2018. The workshop was offered at the National African-American Quilt Conference in Kansas. He was always available at our Guild meetings for our quilt challenges and Show & Tell demonstrations. Under his tutelage I was able to exhibit two of my quilts at The Westbeth Gallery in NYC. So, by the time I signed up for his BOVID MASK class i was at the very least an advanced beginner, but I finished a solid Intermediate.
William inspires a student’s creative views while giving them a foundation in art basics and technique. His technique is to allow his student to grow while in the class regardless of the time allowed. This is a gift that only the best instructors have mastered. Although the BOVID MASK template was his original design the history behind African masks became significant and whetted my curiosity to delve deeper into its history. The techniques used in the class encompassed color theory, various appliqué techniques, perspective and proportion. His class has definitely affected my creative growth and development.”
Dr. Brenda Harris
Quilters of Color Network of New York
Bovid Mask Workshop – National African American Quilt Convention
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“May 2021 I was privileged to virtually enroll in workshop through the Mancuso Spring Quilt Festival led by Mr. William Daniels. All materials, kit, and instructions were mailed and received in a timely fashion which gave time to prepare as needed and understand our blocks for piecing.
Mr. Daniels was professional, a great instructor, and provided additional ideas, techniques and possibilities for creativity and having fun! He demonstrated samples of his own design and answers all questions.
I would commend and encourage anyone, quilter or sewing enthusiast, to enroll in any workshop led my Mr. Daniels.
You are awesome! Continue sharing your gift.”
Maisha Omotunde Dean
Totem Workshop – Mancuso Spring Quilt Festival
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"You have a great ability to facilitate the thinking and verbalizing that I -and most likely all of us- need to do. When I began these classes with you, I didn’t realize how much I wanted to have my artwork express power and voice. I’m on that path now. Thank you."
Christine Janove
Artist/Entrepreneur Professional Development Workshop
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"Thank you so much for your wonderful gift of your wisdom and talents to our students. They had an amazing time, and I think we converted a few new textile artists!"
Carlynn Houghton
The Chapin School
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"Thank-you very much for leading/presenting the workshop MASTERMIND YOUR ART PRACTICE. It was extremely useful, organized, enlightening, and more. I appreciate how you created an open and welcoming and inspiring atmosphere across the electronic landscape pulling all of the participants together. You have a marvelous way of responding to each individual such that all benefit from, not only the respectful way you treat individuals, but also, in regards to organizing, branding and creating art. Bravo!"
Elyzabeth Meade, PhD
Multidisciplinary Artist
Professional Development Workshop 3 Session Series - Patchogue Arts Council
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"Thank you for all you did for us this weekend! Much appreciated and valued!...Your input rejuvenated me in many ways."
Montika Allen
Multidisciplinary Artist
"Are You Ready" Lecture - African American Artist Collective
"Hummngbird Totem Workshop" - African American Artist Collective