Betty B. Atkinson

Jun 4, 1930 -

Oct 28, 2023

Betty Atkinson, our feisty, loving, talented, beautiful mother, passed on Oct. 28, 2023, at the young age of 93. A respected Alaskan artist, avid dancer, devoted mother and wife, and loyal friend and mentor, our mom approached everything she did with fierce determination and a wicked sense of humor. We will miss her forever.

Betty was an award-winning artist who loved the outdoors. Her passion for life and the arts made her an icon and a celebrated painter of nature. She allowed the viewer into her special world, where her awe of Alaska's beauty could be felt directly. In her search for inspiration, she never met a rule she didn't break or at least bend really hard. She jumped a few fences and ignored a few signs in pursuit of her beloved source material. Betty's expansive body of work has been featured in many galleries and museums throughout Alaska, and elsewhere. She was a member of the Chugach Arts Council, the Alaska Artists Guild, the Alaska Water Color Society, Arts for the Parks and a charter member of the Plein Air Painters of Alaska.

Betty grew up in Iowa, where her lifelong love of art began. She studied at a number of well-known art schools and completed her degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage. An animal lover, she was also a consummate Alaska outdoor enthusiast, camping, ice skating, skiing, photographing landscapes to later commit to canvas, and dearest to her heart was plein air, painting on-site. She also loved to dance and performed with various groups, traveling to Russia, Ukraine, Italy and other international destinations.

Betty grew up in Davenport, Iowa, eventually moving to San Francisco, Calif., and finally on to Alaska in 1954, pre-statehood, with her young family and her husband Kenneth R. Atkinson (1926-2014). Getting off the plane the first time, she took one look around and immediately fell in love with the state. Ken and Betty built a home in Windemere, far outside of Anchorage at the time, where they raised three children: son, Eric J. Atkinson and two daughters, Nancy A. Nelson and Katie A. Atkinson. Betty also leaves behind two grandchildren, Michael F. Nelson and Bonnie M. Best; and one great-grandchild, Russell A. J. Joy. She was preceded in death by William P. Cardwell, her dear friend and companion of many years. She leaves behind legions of friends and admirers, as well as an indelible mark on the history of the arts in Alaska.

A celebration of life for Betty will be announced at a later date.