Bill Rabbit facts for kids

Bill Rabbit was a famous Native American artist from Oklahoma. He loved to paint in many different ways, always following his own feelings. He didn't just paint what people expected.

Bill Rabbit showed his amazing art in many places and won lots of awards. In 1986, he was even called a "Master Artist" by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. Later in his life, he worked with his daughter, Traci, in their art studio in Pryor, Oklahoma. Bill Rabbit passed away on April 9, 2012.

Bill Rabbit's Early Life and Art Journey

Bill Rabbit was born in Casper, Wyoming on December 3, 1946. His parents were Swimmer Dave Rabbit and Doris M.E.H Rabbit. He went to school in Casper, where he was the only Cherokee student.

His artistic talent showed very early, even in kindergarten. Bill Rabbit sold his first watercolor painting when he was just in fourth grade for $4! He didn't have much formal art training, only a two-week class in grade school.

After high school, Bill Rabbit was accepted into the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But instead, he joined the army and served in Vietnam.

After the war, Rabbit moved to Mazie, Oklahoma. There, he used his welding skills to make Southwestern jewelry. Later, he started painting full-time. He and his wife traveled across the country to art shows and galleries.

Bill Rabbit's Unique Art Style

Bill Rabbit started painting based on how he felt inside. He didn't follow the old, traditional styles or just paint what people wanted to buy. He was part of a new group of Native American artists who explored different ways of creating art.

Over time, the things Bill Rabbit painted changed. His art went from looking very realistic to being more dreamlike and spiritual.

Exhibitions and Awards for Bill Rabbit

Bill Rabbit's art was very well-known and shown in many places. Here are some of the museums and events where his work was featured:

• Albuquerque Museum
• Cherokee National Museum
• Five Civilized Tribes Museum
• Red Cloud Indian School Heritage Center Inc. Collection
• Indian Arts & Crafts Association
• Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonials
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Night of the First Americans
• Paul VI Institute for the Arts' Let the Spirit Speak!
• Museum of Natural History, the Native American Center for the Living Arts
• Oklahoma Art Center Gallery's All-Oklahoma Indian Artists Invitational
• Oklahoma Indian Art Program
• Oklahoma State Capitol
• Prairie Fire Invitational Art Show
• Red Cloud Indian School - The Heritage Center's Red Cloud Indian Art Show
• Red Earth Festival
• Southwestern International Round-up Tri-culture Art Show
• Trail of Tears State Park Gallery
• University of West Virginia

Bill Rabbit also received many important awards and honors:

• Named poster artist for the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonials (1984)
• Designated a Master Artist by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum (1986)
• Poster artist for the Totah Festival (1988)
• Artist of the Year & poster artist for the American Indian & Cowboy Artists National Western Art Exhibit (1989)
• Named a Cherokee National Treasure

To honor Bill Rabbit, the Cherokee Nation Foundation created the Bill Rabbit Legacy Art Scholarship. This scholarship helps young artists follow their dreams, just like Bill Rabbit did.