Susan Billy facts for kids

Susan Billy, born on April 27, 1951, is a talented Native American artist. She is known for her amazing basket weaving. Susan is part of the Pomo people, specifically from the Hopland Band Pomo Indians in Northern California. Her grandmother, Susan Santiago Billy, was also a famous Pomo basket weaver.

About Susan Billy

Susan Billy was born in 1951 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Today, she owns a bead store called Bead Fever in Ukiah, California. Her grandmother, Susan Santiago Billy, was a well-known Pomo basket weaver.

Growing Up and Moving to California

Susan grew up near Washington D.C. in Virginia. Her father worked for the government there. In 1973, Susan moved to California. Soon after, she settled in Ukiah, California.

Learning the Art of Basket Weaving

In Ukiah, Susan began to study Pomo basket weaving. She learned from her great aunt, Elsie Allen, for 15 years. During this time, Susan learned about the many shapes and patterns used in Pomo baskets. There are about a dozen shapes and almost 300 traditional patterns.

Elsie Allen wanted to share her weaving knowledge. She thought no young people were interested until Susan arrived. Susan had grown up seeing her grandmother's baskets. These baskets were very special to her. But she never thought she would become a weaver herself. By the time Susan wanted to learn, her grandmother had passed away. Elsie Allen gave Susan her grandmother's tools for making baskets.

Sharing Her Knowledge

In 1990, Susan Billy started research for a special art show. This show, called "Remember your Relations: The Elsie Allen Baskets and Family," opened in 1994. It was shown at the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, California. It also went to the Oakland Museum of California. Susan helped organize the show and wrote part of the book about it.

Susan has also helped with collections at many other museums. These include the American Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of the American Indian.

Where Her Work Has Been Shown

Susan Billy's beautiful basket weaving has been featured in art shows.

• Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists, (2019), Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.