My name is Jacquelyn Yepa, I am a Twenty-year-old Indigenous woman from the Navajo(Diné) and Jemez(Walatowa) tribes. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I’m currently attending the Institute of American Indian Arts to get my BFA in Studio Arts as well as a Certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship. My inspiration for creating art is based on what I love most. Which includes family, culture, nature, and music (mainly metal).
I love to make artwork that catches the viewer’s attention in any kind of way. Whether it’s with color, texture, detail, or concept. I believe that anything the mind imagines can be recreated through art. I have been working with ALMA for six summers and this is my first year as a lead apprentice. So far I learned the importance of being organized, how to communicate with the apprentices efficiently, and how to teach the apprentices what I know about making a mosaic mural and showing them the process. In addition, this year I am also doing an internship through my college IAIA in partnership with ALMA. With this internship, I’m able to earn class credit and further my education. Ahéhee (thank you) for taking the time to read about what I have to say and for taking an interest in what we do here at ALMA.