Lois Harjo Ball
Born1906 (1906)
Okmulgee, Oklahoma
Died1982 (aged 75–76)
Okmulgee, Oklahoma
NationalityMuscogee Nation, American
Alma materOklahoma City University, Stephens College
Occupationpainter

Lois Harjo Ball (1906–1982) was a Native American painter, basket maker, and ceramic artist from Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and a citizen of the Muscogee Nation.[1][2]

Early life

Ball was the daughter of Henry Marsey Harjo and Katie Monahwee.[3] She was a grand-daughter of Muscogee chief Menawa.[1] Ball graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1926[1] and

Art career

Ball painted for her entire adult life. She supported native art and encouraged others to learn about their heritage. She studied at Oklahoma City University and Stephens College and is known for her paintings. Her works are in the collections of institutions including the Creek Council House and Museum in Okmulgee.[1]

Legacy

In particular, Ball was a strong influence on her grand-niece Joy Harjo, who was later a United States Poet Laureate.[4] Joy Harjo dedicated her 1983 book She Had Some Horses to her great-aunt Lois.[5]

A scholarship for Muscogee Nation students of fine arts, the Naomi & Lois Harjo Scholarship, is named in honor of Ball.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 King, Jeanne Snodgrass (1968). American Indian painters; a biographical directory. Smithsonian Libraries. New York: Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation. p. 12.
  2. ↑ "Artist and Scholar List: A–F". First American Art Magazine. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
  3. 1 2 "Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation Program" (PDF). Creek Nation Foundation.
  4. ↑ "Harjo, Joy | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
  5. ↑ Wiget, Andrew (1994-10-25). Dictionary of Native American Literature. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-58249-4.
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