Spencer Asah facts for kids

Spencer Asah (born around 1908, died 1954) was a talented Kiowa painter. He was an important member of a famous group of artists known as the Kiowa Six, who came from Oklahoma.

Early Life and Art Training

Spencer Asah was born in 1908 in Carnegie, Oklahoma. His Kiowa name was Lallo, which means "Little Boy." His father was a special leader in their community, known as a buffalo medicine man. Spencer learned many important cultural stories and traditions from his father. He later used these stories in his beautiful artwork.

Spencer first learned about art at St. Patrick's Mission School in Anadarko, Oklahoma. His first art teacher was Sister Olivia Taylor, a Choctaw nun. Later, a government worker named Susie Peters helped arrange more art lessons for young Kiowa artists, including Spencer. These lessons were taught by an artist named Mrs. Willie Baze Lane.

Susie Peters saw how talented these young artists were. She convinced Oscar Jacobson, who led the art school at the University of Oklahoma, to let them study there. Spencer and the other Kiowa artists joined a special program. They received coaching and encouragement from another artist named Edith Mahier.

The Famous Kiowa Six

The Kiowa Six was a group of six amazing artists. They included Spencer Asah, James Auchiah, Jack Hokeah, Stephen Mopope, Lois Smoky Kaulaity, and Monroe Tsatoke. In 1926, Spencer, Jack, Monroe, Stephen, and Lois moved to Norman, Oklahoma. They began their art studies at the University of Oklahoma. Lois Smoky went home in late 1927, and James Auchiah joined the group that same year.

In 1928, the Kiowa Six became famous around the world. Their art was shown at the First International Art Exposition in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Dr. Jacobson helped arrange for their paintings to be shown in many other countries. A special book of their paintings, called Kiowa Art, was also published in France. By the late 1920s, their watercolor paintings were being shown and praised across the United States and Europe.

Where to See His Art

You can find Spencer Asah's artwork in many public art collections. These are places like museums where art is kept for everyone to see.

Later Life and Legacy

Spencer Asah was not only a painter but also a traditional singer and dancer. He often took part in powwows in Oklahoma. These are special gatherings where Native American people celebrate their culture through dancing, singing, and socializing.

Spencer married a Comanche woman named Ida. They had three children together. Spencer Asah passed away in 1954, leaving behind a wonderful collection of art. His work continues to inspire people and share the rich stories of the Kiowa people.

See also

• List of Native American artists
• Visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas