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COMMUNITY TOURS

June Community Tour – Artist Talk with Mikaela Shafer

Join us on Thursday, June 6th at 6pm for an opportunity to meet the artist behind Matrilineal Memory, a solo exhibition by NACF 2023 LIFT: Early Career Support for Native Artists awardee Mikaela Shafer (Hopi, Coyote Clan). At the artist talk for Matrilineal Memory, Shafer will lead a walk-through of the exhibition and provide a detailed exploration of her work, sharing insight into her creative process, the materials she utilizes, and the inspirations behind her art. The event will also include a Q&A session for attendees to engage with the artist and learn more about her creative journey.

A self-trained artist, Shafer has been creating since her youth — sculptures, poetry, paintings, and costumes. Today, that creativity has grown into a professional practice in which she creates expressionistic, abstract paintings that explore familial relationships, cultural identity, grief, loss, reconnection, and healing.

Organized by the artist, Matrilineal Memory is an immersive exploration of memory and emotion featuring paintings, poetry, and installations that draw inspiration from Shafer’s Hopi heritage.

Through her innovative use of collagraph, dyeing, sewing, and layering techniques, Shafer infuses her artworks with rich textures and intricate patterns, often incorporating a mix of organic materials. Her unique approach results in a series of captivating pieces, including works printed on chiffon, each offering a poignant reflection on the interplay between memory and healing.

Mikaela Shafer, "The Weaver", 2023. Watercolor, gauze, canvas, thread, paper mixed media, Matrilineal Memory series, 6x6, Photo by Mikaela Shafer.
Mikaela Shafer, "Relax Into Her Hug", 2023. Watercolor, gauze, canvas, thread, paper mixed media, Matrilineal Memory series, 6x6. Photo by Mikaela Shafer.
Mikaela Shafer, "Red Earth", 2023. Watercolor, gauze, canvas, thread, paper mixed media, Matrilineal Memory series, 6x6. Photo by Mikaela Shafer.
Mikaela Shafer, "Lungs I Breathe Out", 2023. Watercolor, gauze, canvas, thread, paper mixed media, Matrilineal Memory series, 6x6. Photo by Mikaela Shafer.
Mikaela Shafer, "The Weaver", 2023. Watercolor, gauze, canvas, thread, paper mixed media, Matrilineal Memory series, 6x6, Photo by Mikaela Shafer.

June 6th Community Tour Registration:

Please reach out with any questions or update your registration attendance to rachel@nativeartsandcultures.org 

Funding for our Community Tours Series provided by OnPoint Community Credit Union.