Donna Bennett
Overview
Donna Bennett (born 1951) is an Acoma inlay artist active since the 1980s, working in a contemporary style. She is a multiple award winner.
She is the wife of George Oliver Bennett — his own entry confirms it, naming him husband of Donna Bennett. Her documented mark reads "Donna".
The Mark
"Donna Bennett (1951-; Acoma). Active since 1980s. Contemporary. Inlay. Wife of George Bennett. Multiple award winner. Mark: Donna"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).
The mark as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: Donna.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.
- Bahti, Mark. Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers. Tucson: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2007. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2007.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
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From the Library: Bahti, Silver + Stone: Profiles of American Indian Jewelers (2007)
2007 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2007, not today.
According to Bahti (2007, p. 22), Donna Bennett was born in 1951, the daughter of well-known Acoma potter Ethel Shields. [1]
According to Bahti (2007, p. 25), Donna started out doing the buffing and polishing on George's work before deciding to make her own; like George she was largely self-taught. She made mostly earrings set with small cut stones, specializing in inlay with a color palette unlike most jewelers', and her work had won ribbons, including at Santa Fe Indian Market. [1]
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 83) listed Donna Bennett of Acoma as active from before 1984 in contemporary silver jewelry, with Indian Market prizes for pins in 1984, 1986 and 1988 and for earrings in 1988. [2]
This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.
Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.