50 Artists for 50 Years: Weeya Calif

As a child, Weeya Calif worked with a professional puppeteer group as a puppeteer and she was commissioned to create backdrops for theatrical shows for local churches in her area which launched her artist career. Weeya was the first Native American artist featured in the Capital One Gallery in D.C. In 2017 her artwork was used for The National Congress of American Indians Conference’s brochures, pamphlets, website, and throughout the conference on booths and displays.

As an art educator, teaching art to over 600 students a year, Weeya applied for and received a grant to begin a digital art program for her school. She was awarded the teacher of distinction award and in 2022 was the proud recipient of the Golden Apple Award. She has applied and received several grants towards her digital art programs and hopes to continue educating others and producing art.

Why is Wisconsin and/or your specific community a good place to do your work?

My community is truly a diverse community that offers traditional opportunities for myself and those I teach. It also affords me, as an artist, the opportunity to learn from others which strengthens my abilities as an artist and an educator.

What energizes you as you consider the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

Joy fills my heart as I see more and more opportunities for artist my age and those younger than me. Having opportunities to participate in art events, classes and teaching broadens the skills of the supporting artist and makes the wonderful connections to those we teach.

Where can we find your work?

You can find Weeya’s work on her website: https://www.weeyacalif.com