"Frank Day was born in Berry Creek, California, into the Konkow Maidu tribe. The Maiduan peoples - the Konkow, Nisenan, and Mountain Maidu - have occupied the region of California from the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Sacramento River Valley for hundreds of years. Day's father, Billy, was one of the last traditional leaders of the Bald Rock Konkow Maidu. From his father and other Konkow Maidu elders, Frank Day learned the language, myths, legends, songs, and traditions of his people."
Frank Day, 1973. Robert Schell, photographer. Collection of Herb and Peggy Puffer. Click on the image to return to the Frank Day exhibit.
"Day and his generation grew up under extraordinary pressure to assimilate to American society and were unable to sustain all of their ancestor's cultural practices. Following the death of his father in 1922, Day spent over a decade traveling through Indian country in the western states. In 1930, Day returned to California, where he worked as an agricultural laborer. After a serious injury in 1960, he took up painting as therapy. Although he began by painting 'non - Indian' subject matter, Day soon began painting Maidu themes. In doing so, he transformed his cultural memory into a visual record characterized by bold color, strong composition, and a distinctly self-taught style."  - Rebecca J. Dobkins, Memory and Imagination guest curator.