Monica Wapaha

Monica Wapaha

Multidisciplinary Indigenous Artist


Art has always been a part of my life. I’ve been an artist since I was really little. When I moved away from it, it eventually found me again.

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
I come from a long line of Apache Indians who are driven to do more for our community and our people—I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
I’ve always felt drawn to art since I was very young.
As I got older, I took a detour and moved away from art and into the medical field, but I eventually found my way back to art.
I earned my Associate in Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
While working for various art programs on the reservation, I noticed that the events I was hosting were popular, so I decided to continue my education in art and pursue a master’s degree.
I moved my family to Arizona to attend the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University.
I earned my Master of Fine Arts in printmaking—I even took my children with me to school in order to do so!
Now I’m focused on creating art through various mediums in both contemporary and traditional Apache artmaking processes—positive imagery of Indigenous women shows throughout all of my work.
Keep following my journey

Education

High School
Associate's Degree
Fine Art
Institute of American Indian Arts
Bachelor
Fine Art
Institute of American Indian Arts
Graduate
Printmaking
Arizona State University Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Career

Multidisciplinary Indigenous Artist

I create art through different mediums from an Indigenous perspective.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Environment & Nature
Being Creative

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for everyone

I believe that whatever you're meant to be doing will eventually find you. I recommend experimenting and trying different experiences so that whatever you're truly passionate about can find its way to you.

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"You can't do this."

Interviewed By

All Paths Arizona

All Paths Arizona

Young Arizonans explore opportunity in their home state