Sara Bates facts for kids

Sara Bates (born in 1944) is a talented American artist. She is known for her unique art style called mixed media. She is also a member of the Cherokee Nation, an important Native American tribe.

About Sara Bates

Her Early Life and Education

Sara Bates was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1944. She loved art and learning. In 1987, she earned a special degree called a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Women's Studies from California State University, Bakersfield.

She continued her studies and, in 1989, she received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California. This advanced degree focused on Sculpture and Painting, and also something called Intermedia, which combines different art forms.

Her Career in Art

After finishing her education, Sara Bates worked to share art with others. From 1990 to 1995, she was a curator for an organization called American Indian Contemporary Arts (AICA) in Piedmont, California. A curator is someone who helps organize and present art shows.

Later, she also taught art to students. In 1997, she was an instructor at San Francisco State University. The next year, she became a visiting professor of art at Florida State University.

Her Unique Art Style

Sara Bates is famous for her special mixed media artwork. She often creates designs called mandalas and medicine wheels. These designs are very meaningful in many cultures.

She uses natural items to make her art. These include things like pine cones, seeds, leaves, and flowers. Her large designs are often placed on the floor. They can be 8 to 12 feet wide, shaped like a circle. In the middle, there's usually a cross shape. This cross points to the four main directions: north, south, east, and west.

Experts say that Sara Bates's art is both new and old at the same time. It uses modern art ideas but keeps a strong connection to traditional Native American spirits and stories. Her work beautifully mixes her cultural background with European art styles.