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

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."

As an Indigenous woman, I've faced a lot of pushback. People will tell me I can't do this or that because I'm a woman and a minority. I'm also one of the first Apaches to have a master's degree in fine art, so I'm really kicking down doors. The Noise used to really affect me in the beginning but now I don't let it get to me. I remember my goal and what I'm here to do. I know that what I'm making is important.

Interviewed By

All Paths Arizona

Young Arizonans explore opportunity in their home state

Monica Wapaha

Multidisciplinary Indigenous Artist

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Art

Environment & Nature

Being Creative

Advice for Getting Started

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

Interviewed By

All Paths Arizona

Related Leaders