Rick Bartow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rick Bartow
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| Born |
Richard Elmer Bartow
December 16, 1946 |
| Died | April 2, 2016 (aged 69) Oregon
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| Nationality | Wiyot Tribe, American |
| Education | Western Oregon University |
| Known for | sculpture, painting, printmaking |
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Notable work
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We Were Always Here The Responsibility of Raising a Child |
Richard Elmer "Rick" Bartow (December 16, 1946 – April 2, 2016) was a Native American artist. He was a member of the Wiyot Tribe, who are from Humboldt County, California. Rick Bartow created many kinds of art. He made drawings using pastels and graphite. He also created wood sculptures, acrylic paintings, and different types of prints.
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Rick Bartow's Early Life
Rick Bartow was born in Newport, Oregon, on December 16, 1946. His father's family was from the Wiyot Tribe. Rick became interested in art when he was very young. His aunt, who studied art, encouraged him. He also loved music and played the guitar and bongos.
Education and Service
Rick Bartow went to Western Oregon University. He graduated in 1969 with a degree in art education. After college, he served in the army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a teletype operator and played music in a military hospital. He received an award called the Bronze Star for his service.
Rick Bartow's Art Career
Rick Bartow started showing his art in small local shows. In 1985, a gallery owner named William Jamison offered him a solo exhibition. Rick's art became well-known across the country. After Jamison passed away, Rick began working with Charles Froelick of Froelick Gallery. They had a strong professional relationship for 20 years.
One of Bartow's famous wood carvings is called The Cedar Mill Pole. It was shown at the White House in 1997. This pole was seen as one of the most important Native American public sculptures. It was made from a giant cedar tree that was removed for a road project. The carving was a gift to help bring people together after a disagreement about a building project.
The National Museum of the American Indian asked Rick Bartow to create two large cedar sculptures. These are called We Were Always Here. They stand outside the museum in Washington, D.C. These tall sculptures were a major achievement for Bartow. He said they show a "Welcoming Bear" and "Raven, Healer and Rascal." These animals focus on water and salmon, which are important for the environment. The patterns on the poles represent generations of people and their wisdom. The tree used for the sculptures was about 500 years old.
Rick Bartow was inspired by many artists, including Marc Chagall and Francis Bacon. He also drew inspiration from his Native American background and his work with the Māori artist John Bevan Ford. These artists often used human and animal shapes in their art.
Art Exhibitions
In April 2015, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon held a big show of Rick Bartow's art. It was called "Things You Know but Cannot Explain." This show featured his works from 35 years of his career. The exhibition traveled to many museums across the United States until 2019.
His art was also part of another important show. This was called Stretching the Canvas: Eight Decades of Native Painting. It was held at the National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center from 2019 to 2021.
Art Collections
Rick Bartow's art can be found in many museum collections. Some of these include the Brooklyn Museum in New York and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. His work is also at the Portland Art Museum and the Heard Museum in Arizona.
Music and Personal Life
Rick Bartow was also a talented musician and singer. He played the guitar in his band, called Bartow and the Backseat Drivers.
Rick Bartow's Passing
Rick Bartow passed away on April 2, 2016, at the age of 69.
See also
- The Responsibility of Raising a Child, Portland, Oregon
Images for kids
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Rick Bartow with his paintings
