Artist Talk and Intuitive Painting and Collaging Workshop with Mikaela Shafer
All My Relations Arts warmly invites you to a captivating artist talk with Mikaela Shafer, the featured solo artist of our current exhibition Matrilineal Memory. This event is a chance for audience members to get an intimate glimpse into Mikaela’s background and creative journey and an opportunity to delve deep into the artistic process. Uncover the profound inspirations that fuel her work, and hear the compelling stories behind the pieces.
After the talk, stay for an intuitive abstract art workshop led by Mikaela Shafer. We’ll be working with watercolors to create spontaneous and emotionally led, layered paintings, adding textiles and papers along the way. The goal is to let go of control and make art based on how you feel in the moment—no right or wrong, just experimentation and self-expression. Together we will share stories and moments and let that guide us as we create our artwork.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, November 15th
- Artist Talk: 2-3:30pm
- Workshop: 4-6pm
- Location: All My Relations Arts, 1414 E. Franklin Ave, MPLS, MN
About the Artist:
Mikaela Shafer is an artist, writer, and mother from Olympia, Washington. She is involved in the community as the co-chair of the Olympia Cultural Access Advisory Board. Mikaela is also the founder of Maqa Collective, which supports businesses and artists’ marketing efforts through storytelling and community building. Mikaela’s community-building efforts in Ogden, Utah, were recognized by Weber State University, naming her as one of 100 influential women in the region’s history. She was also honored with the 2023-2024 Native Arts and Culture Fund LIFT award. Learn more at maqacollective.com/art.
About the Exhibition:
Matrilineal Memory is an exploration of memory, emotion, and cultural preservation. A solo exhibition of artist Mikaela Shafer (Hopi), it features paintings, poetry, and installation. Through the use of collagraph, dyeing, sewing, and layering on paintings, she intertwines her practice with her culture, drawing inspiration from her Hopi heritage. Shafer’s unique approach incorporates unconventional tools, including dried corn, creating intricate patterns and textures, including works printed on chiffon. Shafer’s work becomes a practice of facing head on memories and processing, grieving, and ultimately healing. Each painting unearths a new memory; each poem serves as a conduit for emotional release.
“Memories are powerful. A smell, a sound, or a flavor can send you spiraling down a rabbit hole of a moment you’ve long forgotten”—Mikaela Shafer
What to Expect:
During this engaging evening, Mikaela will guide you through their artistic journey, sharing personal anecdotes, discussing the evolution of their techniques, and providing unique insights into the conceptual framework of her collection of works. Following the presentation, there will be a dedicated Q&A session, allowing you to directly interact with the artist and explore any questions you may have about their practice.
This event promises to be an enriching and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone curious about the power of creative expression.
Refreshments:
Light refreshments will be served, providing an opportunity to mingle and discuss the insights shared by Mikaela Shafer in a relaxed atmosphere.