David B. Williams (artist) facts for kids

David B. Williams was a famous Canadian Ojibwe artist. He was known for his paintings and prints.

David was born on December 26, 1947. His family was from Garden River First Nation. This community is near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. As an adult, he lived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg, Manitoba. He passed away on September 29, 2009, in Winnipeg. He was 62 years old. David is buried back home at Garden River First Nation.

About David B. Williams' Art

David B. Williams was a talented painter and printmaker. His art often shared stories and images from his Ojibwe heritage. He created many beautiful pieces during his life.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

David had many special art shows where people could see his work. These were called solo exhibitions because only his art was shown.

• 1979 – Gallery One in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• 1980 – Gallery One in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• 1982 – First Man Art Gallery in Calgary, Alberta
• 1986 – The Trading Post in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• 1987 – The Trading Post in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Awards and Recognition

David's art was recognized with several important awards. These grants helped him continue his work.

• 1979 – He received a grant from the Canada Council.
• 1983 – He got a grant from the Manitoba Arts Council.
• 1987 – He was recognized by Indian Arts and Crafts Manitoba Inc.

Art for Special Occasions

David's artwork was often chosen for important gifts. It was presented to special people and organizations.

• 1980 – His art was given to Mr. Justice Berger. He was a Supreme Court Justice.
• 1980 – The City of Saskatoon bought his art. It was a gift for a winning curling team.
• 1987 – The Métis National Council gave his art to Pope John Paul II. This happened in Fort Simpson, NWT.

Where You Can Find His Art

David B. Williams' artwork is part of many important collections. This means his art is kept in museums, government buildings, and company offices.

• Saskatchewan Arts Board
• Shell Oil Corporation
• Gulf Oil Corporation
• Canada Council Art Bank
• Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
• National Museum in Ottawa, Ontario
• Denver Museum of Fine Arts in Colorado, U.S.A.
• Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg
• Indian Family Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Working with Other Artists

David was part of different art groups. He also participated in important art events.

• He was a member of C.A.R.F.A.C. (Manitoba).
• He was part of Indian Crafts and Arts Manitoba Inc.
• In 1983, he sent some of his prints to a big art meeting. These prints were sold to help start a scholarship for Indigenous artists.

News and Media

David B. Williams and his art were featured in various publications and TV shows.

• "Accent on the Arts" – Star-Phoenix newspaper (1979)
• "Woodsmoke and Sweetgrass" – CKY Television (1983)
• "The Beaver" – A Hudson Bay Co. Publication (1983)
• He was also featured by the B.B.C. in 1985.

Art Auctions and Benefits

David's art was often part of auctions. These events helped raise money for good causes.

• His art was sold at the National Native Art Auction. This helped the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.
• He participated in a group show and auction at the Manitoba Museum.
• His art helped raise money for the John Howard Society.

Art for the Community

David also shared his art in public places. He made donations for people to enjoy.

• His art was shown at the Native Pavilion. This was part of Folkfest in Saskatoon.
• He also showed his art at Winnipeg Folklorama.

Art in Schools

David believed in sharing art with young people. He had exhibitions in many schools.

• David Livingstone Community School in Winnipeg, Manitoba
• St. Michael’s Community School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Prince Philip Elementary School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Lester B. Pearson Public School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Native Survival School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Father Vachon Catholic School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Group Art Shows

David's art was often shown alongside other artists' work. These were called group exhibitions. He participated in many across Canada and the U.S.A.

• 1980 – Saskatchewan Open at Mendel Art Gallery.
• 1983 – Canada Canoe Festival in Ottawa/Hull.
• 1983 – Atlantic Festival of Indian Arts and Crafts in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• 1983 – Christmas Craft Show in Calgary, Alberta.
• 1983 – CKRC-CKWG Arts Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• 1984 – B.C. Indian Arts and Crafts Show in Vancouver, B.C.
• 1984 – Christmas Show in Edmonton, Alberta.
• 1985 – Festival du Voyageur in St. Boniface, Manitoba.
• 1985 – Eagle Mountain Indian Festival in New York, U.S.A.
• 1986 – International Spring Fair in Birmingham, England.
• 1986 – Red Cloud Indian Art Show in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, U.S.A.
• 1986 – Grand National American Indian Arts and Crafts Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
• 1986 – Seattle Art Festival in Washington, U.S.A.
• 1987 – Santa Monica Indian Ceremonial in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
• 1987 – Winnipeg Street Festival at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
• 1988 – Winterlude in Ottawa, Ontario.
• 1995 – Annual Native Art Auction in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

David B. Williams left behind a wonderful collection of art. His work continues to be important in Canadian Indigenous art.