David Horsley

David Horsley is no longer represented online by Chief Seattle Arts.

David Horsley has been dancing in the Northwest native tradition since he was a child. As a young man, he was adopted into the Snoqualmie tribe, which has survived in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years, yet is still fighting to be recognized by the United States government.

David is active in the native community and often teaches the youth of the Snoqualmie their ancestors’ ways. He has written and illustrated several books about the Upper Salish, in addition to demonstrating dance, song, and art throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In his dual capacity as artist and educator, he helps to enlighten others through a variety of activities with stone, silver, ivory, wood, and acrylics. David is one of the most prominent artists who works in the Upper Salish style. The most significant refinements in his work have been in patterning. Unlike the northern coastal people who pattern by fours, the Upper Salish pattern many activities and art forms by fives, including song-dot patterns, design motifs, and ceremonial repetitions.

David’s carving career began in 1976 with the production of dance masks. In 1986 he entered pieces in the Sacred Circle Gallery. In 1989 his friends asked him to direct the Snoqualmie Dance Troupe as part of the Washington Centennial Project. Today he carves and researches at the University of Washington and various historical locations in King County.

Click here or below to view David´s artwork thumbnail-preview page.