Current Art at the Clinic: Quilts by Beyah Jay Smith

Common Good Acupuncture is elated to host the impeccable quilt works of Beyah Jay Smith on our clinic walls, through mid October of 2026.
Never before been seen at this scale in a public venue! Her colorful, kaleidoscopic quilts are the master works of a dedicated textiles art. When you see them in person, you will quickly understand the focus that was required to complete each quilt. Though the geometric designs are not original, these quilts are all sharp in their exacting execution but visually playful, psychedelic, and energetic. In her more recent works, you can see a complex depth of field developing within the pattern and color choices - quite visually compelling.
These 6 quilts represent 6 years of sewing, though there have been are more pieces made that are not present.
They are not for sale, but she is available to create a quilt for you on commission - See the bottom of this page for contact information.

Artist Bio

I am Beyah Jay Smith, a white, able-bodied, queer, transgender artist originally from Tucson, AZ. I make quilts and other textile are out of my home studio in Portland, OR, where I have called home for over 2 decades. I learned to work with textiles from her mother, who I frequently collaborate with to make family heirlooms. Besides sewing, I spend time making music, working in my private practice as a therapist for the LGBTQ+ community, and dismantling the capitalistic and patriarchal norms embedded in society while continuing to balance the necessities of living in said norms.

My sewing practice is an exploration of how colors and shapes balance together, to create new dynamics. In addition to relying on sewing techniques learned from a variety of seasoned textile artists (beginning with my mother), I utilize patience and presence of mind to facilitate the hand stitching and machine quilting.

All quilt patterns are designed by Willyne Hammerstein, and available in her series of pattern books Millifiori Quilts 1-4. These quilts are made using a hand-sewing EPP (English Paper Piecing) technique, and are machine quilted using a 1970 Singer Model 457 Stylist sewing machine. Approximately 80% of fabrics used are designed by Tula Pink and Kaffe Fassett.

Commissions

Quilts are available on commission. Typically only 2-4 full/queen size quilts are made a year, and prices range from $3000-$6000 depending on design and complexity. Smaller sizes (baby/lap) are available for as low as $500. Please contact me at quiltshipstudios@proton.me or visit Quiltshipstudios.com for further information about commissions.