Betty Davenport Ford

Betty Davenport Ford (b. 1924) is a sculptor known for her unique animal sculptures. Ford, attended Scripps college where she studied under Albert Stewart and graduated in 1946 with a B.A. with a concentration in Ceramic Sculpture. She then attended the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1950 where she received her M.F.A.

At a young age, Ford found appreciation for the array of animal forms which would become a recurring theme in her career. Through the anatomical study of animals, Ford created simple abstract animal forms out of clay while still capturing their essence and characteristics. Ford would also cast her sculptures in bronze.

Ford would later teach at Scripps and then at Pasadena City College. Ford has earned several awards including the American Institute of Architects Award (1955), the Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year Award (1956), the National Society of Art Designers Award for Excellence (1968) and many more. Her work can be found in the collections of the Inland Empire Museum of Art, CA, the American Museum of Ceramic Art, CA, and Scripps College, CA.