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The following was submitted by the family of John Williams:
Winchester artist John Williams is being featured in “A Half-Century of Folk Art: My Recollections,” a new book by noted folk art collector and President of the Folk Art Society of America Ann Frederick Oppenhimer.
The book published in 2026 presents profiles of prominent folk artists, including Williams.
A professional artist with his studio in Winchester, Williams creates detailed collage artwork using small pieces of cut magazine paper. His work draws on history, nature, color, and imagination, turning everyday materials into portraits, landscapes, florals, and other original pieces. His complex historical portraits are particularly prized.
Williams began making art as a young child, creating imaginary creatures out of clay. He studied sculpture through college before shifting his focus to collage. Over time he developed a style that combines deep historical interest, storytelling, intricate composition, and a strong sense of color and perspective. His self-taught process is often described as “painting with paper.”
Williams is on the autism spectrum, but he describes himself first as an artist.
“I am an artist who just happens to have autism,” he has shared. “I prefer to be defined by my abilities. My strength is being able to visualize ideas in 3-D and turn them into original artwork.”
Being included in “A Half-Century of Folk Art: My Recollections” is a meaningful recognition of Williams’s artistic voice. His work reflects creativity, persistence, and the importance of seeing artists for their strengths, talents, and perspectives.
About John Williams
Williams is a professional artist based in Winchester. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from UMass Lowell. His work is published in several books and included in art collections. Major solo exhibitions include Provincetown, Washington, D.C., Florida and Pennsylvania.
For more information, contact John M. Williams at johnmwilliamsfineart.com or johnmwilliamsfineart@gmail.com.
