Williams, Diane: - Diane Williams calls herself a "narratologist." She is a professional performing artist/storyteller, teaching artist, author, poet and mixed-media fiber artist whose tapestries often tells stories. She is former board chair for the National Storytelling Network and former board member and Life Member of the National Association of Black Storytellers. She is a recipient of the Zora Neale Hurston Award and the Oracle Award for Regional Leadership and Service in Storytelling. Three of the books she either authored or edited have won Storytelling World Awards. She is retired from a position in state government as director of grants for the Mississippi Arts Commission. Her writings are included in anthologies and literary journals, and her fiber art has been included on the cover of literary journals. Diane is currently on the Mississippi Humanities Council's Speakers Bureau. She is also a member of the Mississippi Craftsmen's Guild, and her artwork has been exhibited and lives in the collections of museums. She has exhibited in galleries and artistic and community venues around the region.