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Mary Fons
Editor, Writer, Broadcaster
Professional Background
Mary Fons is an esteemed writer, editor, and presenter who has dedicated her career to exploring the rich history of American quilts and their significant role in popular culture. A passionate advocate for the quilting community, Mary is the creator and host of 'Quilt Nerd', a vibrant live broadcast on Twitch, which dives into the fascinating universe of quilt nerdery, allowing viewers to engage with the topic in real-time. This dynamic platform showcases her ability to connect with quilt enthusiasts and new audiences alike.
Mary Fons has an extensive and impressive professional journey in the quilting industry. She was the Editor in Chief of Quiltfolk magazine from 2016 to 2021, where she not only led editorial initiatives but also shaped the publication's vision. Currently, she serves as an editorial advisor, workshop host, and staff writer for Quiltfolk, continuing to contribute her expertise and passion for quilting.
Prior to her role at Quiltfolk, Mary served as the editor and creative director of Quilty magazine from 2010 to 2014, a tenure that solidified her status in the quilting world. Over the years, she has hosted nearly 250 episodes of instructional programming, showcasing her ability to educate and inspire through public television and digital platforms, including Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting and Quilty.
Beyond her television work, Mary has authored notable books such as 'Make & Love Quilts: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century' (C&T/StashBooks, 2014) and 'Dear Quilty' (F&W Media, 2015). From 2010 to 2015, she also penned a bi-monthly column for Quilts, Inc., sharing insights and stories about quilting that resonate with enthusiasts and novices alike. Her articles exploring quilt history and culture have graced prominent publications, including Curated Quilts, Modern Patchwork, and Love of Quilting magazine.
Additionally, Mary is a sought-after lecturer and presenter at prestigious events like QuiltCon, where she shares her extensive knowledge and engages with a community of quilt lovers. She is currently involved in developing an original quilt history docuseries titled 'America’s Quilt', which she is shopping to major streaming networks.
Education and Achievements
Mary Fons is not only a respected figure in the quilting community but also a well-educated individual with a strong academic background. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Iowa, which provided her with a solid foundation in narrative storytelling. This background has seamlessly translated into her writing career, as she brings a unique perspective to the quilting world through engaging narratives.
She continued her education with a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, refining her writing skills and deepening her understanding of the craft. Her education, combined with her extensive experience, has positioned Mary as a thought leader in quilting literature and education.
Mary's contributions to the quilting community are underscored by her involvement in various organizations. She serves on the board of the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, helping to further the mission of preserving and sharing the history of quilts.
Achievements
- Creator and Host of 'Quilt Nerd' on Twitch: A live broadcast exploring quilt culture.
- Former Editor in Chief at Quiltfolk magazine: Led editorial direction from 2016-2021.
- Author of 'Make & Love Quilts' and 'Dear Quilty', contributing valuable insights to quilting literature.
- Hosted nearly 250 episodes of quilting programming on television and the internet.
- Speaker and lecturer at major quilting events, influencing the quilting community worldwide.
- Currently developing 'America's Quilt', a docuseries that highlights quilt history.
tags:[
American quilts
quilt culture
Twitch
Quiltfolk magazine
instructional programming
Quilty magazine
quilt history
public speaker
quilting events
writing and editing
docuseries
International Quilt Museum
quilt nerd
quilting community
quilting literature
B.A. Theater
M.F.A. Writing
Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting
