Frank Austin (artist) facts for kids

Frank Austin (born around 1938 – died March 2, 2017) was a talented Navajo and American artist. His Navajo name was Bahah Zhonie, which means "Happy Boy." Frank Austin was born in Tsegi Canyon, Arizona, and was part of the Navajo Salt Clan. He became famous for his paintings and textile art.

Austin's artwork has been shown in many places across the United States. He was especially known for his silkscreen designs and paintings on fabric. Some of his amazing pieces are kept in important museums, like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

Frank Austin's Art

Frank Austin created many different kinds of art. He painted beautiful portraits of people. He also captured stunning landscapes and pictures of wildlife. His art showed the world around him in a special way.

For a time, Austin worked with Lloyd H. New. He helped create textile art at a place called Kiva Fashion-Creative. In 1970, he started his own business. It was called Nizhonie Fabrics and was in Cortez, Colorado. There, he sold textiles that he had printed by hand.

His Life and Education

Frank Austin was one of eight children. His parents were Buck and Martha Smallcanyon Austin. He went to the Phoenix Indian School and finished his studies there in 1958.

After high school, he continued his education. He attended Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. He received special scholarships to help him study art. These included a Southwest Indian Art Scholarship and a Rockefeller Scholarship.

In 1960, Frank Austin married Rose L. Adajie. They had three children together. Frank Austin passed away in March 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.