FRED BEAVER

- FRED BEAVER (EKALANEE) -

Muscogee Creek/Seminole, 1911-1980

Fred Beaver (1911-1980) was a prominent Native American artist of Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole descent, widely recognized for his contributions to the development and preservation of Native American art. Born on July 2, 1911, near Eufaula, Oklahoma, Beaver was deeply influenced by the rich cultural heritage of his people, which became a central theme in his artistic work.

Fred Beaver grew up in a family that valued both traditional Native American culture and the importance of education. He attended Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he studied under Acee Blue Eagle, a prominent Native American artist and educator. This experience significantly shaped his artistic style, which was characterized by a blend of traditional Native American themes with modern techniques. He became a master of the ‘Bacone’ flat style of painting. This style, characterized by its two-dimensional, stylized figures and emphasis on cultural themes, was embraced by many artists who followed in Beaver’s footsteps. 

Beaver’s art is renowned for its detailed depiction of Native American life, particularly of the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes. His work often features ceremonial scenes, storytelling, and everyday life, capturing the essence of Native American traditions and spirituality. Beaver’s compositions often included figures in motion, dance scenes, and depictions of historical events, all rendered with a deep respect for the cultural narratives they represented.

Fred Beaver made lasting impression in the art world. In 1973, Beaver was recognized as a Master Artist by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for his paintings of Seminole culture. His paintings are considered foundational works in the genre, and they continue to be studied and admired for their cultural significance and artistic excellence. His work is held in some of the countries’ most notable institutions, such as the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian, the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.