"Treasures" represents many areas of South Dakota. The natural coloring of the bison's face, legs, hooves, and horns symbolize the bison itself, which was such an essential part of Native American life in days gone by. The turquoise honors Native Americans from across our nation. The silver intertwined into the turquoise represents the silver that was discovered in South Dakota. The flecks of gold on the rump and down the rear legs of the bison correspond to the gold of the Black Hills. But the flecks are scattered, with no certain pattern, reflecting the idea that the gold was illusive, at times hard to find and, like the buffalo, was native to the area, belonging to the region and "Mother Earth".
Betty was born and raised in St. Paul, NE and graduated from the University of Nebraska, Kearney in 1972 with a B.A. in Art Education. She came from a very artistically talented family. Her father and uncle were very talented when it came to wildlife renditions and an aunt who was an avid painter, and, as a child, danced professionally.
Betty has taught art in grades 1-12 and also community art classes such as watercolor, oil painting, calligraphy and drawing. This is her fourth year taking part in the Custer Stampede Buffalo Art Auction.
Moonlight Ridge Vineyard near her hometown now showcases her artwork. Betty has expanded her talents to include hand-etched glass works. Her art is in private collections from California to Alabama.
