Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Artwork copyright Betz Bernhard. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Colleen Chartier.

Dinosaur, 1989

Betz Bernhard
American (born 1952)

Location: Reed Elementary, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Dinosaur is a colorful mosaic sculpture created by artist Betz Bernhard to represent time, evolution, and progress. Inside the dinosaur form, you can discover different images, including a rocket ship, phases of the moon and symbols of math and science. She noted, “I dedicate this artwork to the children who begin their education in 1989. They will be the graduating class of the future, the ‘magic year’ 2001.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools.

About the Artist

Washington artist Betz Bernhard creates whimsical textile collages, ceramics, and mixed media sculptures. She grew up in New York, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. She received her Master in Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle.