Nationality American Died December 3, 2012 | Name Betty Miller Notable work Ameslan Prohibited | |
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Awards Alice Cogswell Award for service to deaf people2009 Books Deaf & Sober: Journeys Through Recovery | ||
Betty Gloria Miller (July 27, 1934 – December 3, 2012), also known as Bettigee (which was her signature on her artworks) was an American artist who became known as the "Mother of De'VIA" (Deaf View/Image Art).
Contents
- Dr Betty G Miller
- Betty G Miller 2014
- Family and early life
- Career
- Death and legacy
- Published works
- References
Dr. Betty G. Miller
Betty G Miller 2014
Family and early life
She was born hard of hearing in Chicago to deaf parents Ralph Reese Miller, Sr., and Gladys Hedrick Miller. She attended an oral school, but learned ASL at home. In 1957 she became the first deaf woman to graduate from Gallaudet University with a doctoral degree in art. She then graduated from Penn State University with an Ed.D. degree; she was also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, specializing in working with deaf patients. Her art practice included some of her reflections on a deaf person's experiences in an oral school.
Career
Miller taught at Gallaudet, her alma mater. Her 1972 work titled Ameslan Prohibited (Ameslan is an early name for American Sign Language) has become a symbol of the oppression deaf people face when signing. This black and white drawing depicts a pair of disembodied hands in handcuffs with the fingers severed at several locations. The original is now part of the National Touring Exhibit of Deaf Culture Art collection.
In 1975, she co-founded Spectrum, Focus on Deaf Artists, which brought together other painters, dancers, and artists contributing to deaf culture.
In 2009 she was awarded the Alice Cogswell Award for service to deaf people.
Death and legacy
Miller died on December 3, 2012, of sepsis, which led to kidney failure. She was survived by her partner of 25 years, Nancy Creighton.
The Betty G. Miller Fellowship Award was named in her honor; it provides financial assistance to deaf women pursuing doctorate degrees at Gallaudet University.