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Sara Bates
Born 1944 (age 80–81)
Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States
Nationality American
Alma mater California State University (B.A.)
University of California (M.F.A.)
Known for Mixed media

Sara Bates is an American artist born in 1944. She is known for her unique art. She is also a member of the Cherokee Nation. She creates art using many different materials.

About Sara Bates

Early Life and Education

Sara Bates was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1944. She loved art from a young age. She went to college to study art. In 1987, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. This was in Fine Art and Women's Studies. She studied at California State University, Bakersfield.

Later, in 1989, she continued her studies. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. This degree was in Sculpture and Painting/Intermedia. She got this from the University of California.

Career and Teaching

After college, Sara Bates worked as a curator. A curator helps organize and display art shows. From 1990 to 1995, she worked for the American Indian Contemporary Arts (AICA) group. This group is in Piedmont, California.

Sara Bates also shared her knowledge by teaching. In 1997, she was an instructor at San Francisco State University. The next year, she taught art at Florida State University. She was a visiting professor there.

Artistic Style

What is Mixed-Media Art?

Sara Bates is famous for her mixed-media art. Mixed-media means using many different materials in one artwork. She often uses natural items. These include pine cones, seeds, leaves, and flowers.

Mandalas and Medicine Wheels

Bates often creates designs called mandalas and medicine wheels. These designs are usually circular. They are often laid out on the floor. They can be quite large, about 8 to 12 feet wide.

Her designs often have a cross in the center. The arms of the cross point in four directions. These directions are north, south, east, and west.

Blending Traditions

Experts say Sara Bates's art is special. It is "uniquely contemporary in form." This means it looks modern. But it is also "very traditional in spirit." This means it connects to old traditions.

Her art combines her cultural background. She also uses ideas from European art. This mix makes her work very interesting and meaningful.

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