Americana Artist

On this Fourth of July it seems appropriate to mention the work of one of my favorite artists, Betsy Nimock. I think her art can best be described as narrative collage. She has combined iconic images of Americana; flags, 19th century quilt fragments and old photographs in unique ways that pay tribute to American values. 


Betsy's work has been nationally recognized, featured in museum collections and sold in galleries across the country. Although known mostly for her quilt collages, it is her "Flag Series" that first drew me to this talented woman.


In 1992,while doing some antiquing, the St. Louis artist found some old and tattered examples of children's penmanship lessons from the early 1900's. The flag project back then was sponsored by the National Institution for Moral Instruction of Washington, D.C. (yes, I realize that this is an oxymoron). With her creative eye, Betsy blended the handwriting exercises with the old flags and photos because in her words, "It is my feeling that this is what our country is all about."

The flags used in the original 1920's project have 48 stars. The series includes character traits like honesty, self-reliance and clean play, described in the words of the children. I wish I had more of Betsy's art to show you, other than this print, but I haven't been able to locate images of her past projects.

Wishing you all a happy 4th and a grand finale.