Marilee Beard Campbell was born in Provo, Utah in 1938. She is the great granddaughter of George Beard, pioneer Utah photographer, and an artist known for her pastel work. She lives in Provo, Utah.

Campbell earned a degree in art education from Brigham Young University followed by study at the University of Utah and at the Birmingham Art Association in Detroit. She became interested in pastel as a medium of expression after seeing an Alvin Gittins drawing and taking a class from one of his students in 1964.

Campbell 's work has been honored with awards both nationally and in Utah. In 1988 she earned the Pastel Society of America's top award for exceptional merit. Francis Homestead was selected to appear in the 1992 Utah Arts Council Out of the Land: Utah Women exhibition in 1992. The Park Side of the Garden (1993) earned a merit award from the Springville Museum of Art spring salon and is part of the museum's permanent collection. Alpine Paradise (1999) is another example of her work. Campbell also earned a juror's choice award during the spring salon. She was selected as one the 100 Most Honored Artists in Utah during the 2002 Cultural Olympiad.

Information on this page was adapted from autobiographical information supplied by the artist.