Frank Day (artist) facts for kids

Frank Day (also known as Ly-dam-lilly) was a talented Native American artist. He was born in California on February 24, 1902, and passed away on August 13, 1976.

Frank Day's Early Life and Education

Frank Day was born in Berry Creek, California, on February 24, 1902. His family was important in the Maidu community. His father, Twoboe, was a leader among the Bald Rock Konkow Maidu people.

As a young person, Frank Day went to Berry Creek Public Schools. He also attended Greenville Indian School. Later, he studied at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He lived mostly in Sacramento, California. After his father passed away in 1922, Frank Day traveled a lot.

Frank Day's Art Career

Frank Day had many different jobs throughout his life. He worked as a laborer, a sign painter, and even a preacher. He was also a ranch hand, a singer, and a historian of his culture. He knew a lot about languages and was an author and lecturer.

In 1960, Frank Day was in a serious car accident. While he was recovering, he started painting full-time. An expert named Donald P. Jewell encouraged him to paint stories and images from Maidu traditional narratives.

Frank Day mostly used oil paints for his artwork. His paintings can be seen in many public places. These include the Bureau of Indian Affairs and California State University, Sacramento. His art is also at the Indian Arts and Crafts Board and University of California, Davis.

Frank Day's Legacy

Frank Day passed away on August 13, 1976, in Sacramento, California.

In 1999, a special show of his art was held. It was shown at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York. His art was also displayed at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe. The Heard Museum in Phoenix also featured his work. To honor him, the California Indian Days Art Exhibit created the Frank Day Memorial Award.