Betty David facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betty David
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Betty David dressing a mannequin
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| Born | 1938 |
| Died | August 31, 2007 |
| Nationality | Spokane |
| Education | University of Oregon Marylhurst University |
| Occupation | fashion designer |
Betty David (born 1938 – died August 31, 2007) was a talented Native American fashion designer. She was famous for making beautiful handmade coats and items from leather.
About Betty David
Betty David was born in Nespelem, Washington. She was a member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. She went to college at the University of Oregon and Marylhurst College.
How Her Fashion Journey Began
In the 1970s, Betty received a special shearling coat as a gift. A shearling coat is made from sheepskin with the wool still attached. She looked at it and thought, "I can design an even better one!" This idea sparked her career.
She started making her own coats by hand. She decorated them with painted designs. She called her style "Northwest Coast Indian style." Her first sales were at the Santa Fe Art Market in Santa Fe.
Her Unique Designs
Betty David's work quickly became popular. She sold her designs in art galleries. These galleries were in cities like Spokane and New York City. Her work also got attention in big magazines.
She believed her designs connected nature and abstract art. Abstract art uses shapes and colors, not realistic pictures. Betty said, "I’m inspired by animals and parts of animals, but I’m not trying to make critters. They’re abstract ... It’s a new totem pole look." A totem pole is a tall carving with symbols and figures.
Where Her Art Lives On
Betty David's amazing work is now part of important collections. You can find her pieces in museums. These include the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Her art is also at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston, Illinois. The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian also owns her designs.
