Monica Jo Raphael

Anishinaabe / Sičaŋǧu Lakota, born 1964

Biography"Spending most of her life in the woodlands of northern lower Michigan, Monica Raphael a 5th generation quill worker and culture bearer, feels as if she’s having a conversation with her ancestors when creating her interpretation of an art that predates European contact and the introduction of glass seed beads. Quickly mastering both the woodland flora and fauna designs for which her family was known, Monica has excelled in creating even more complex designs while using traditional materials and techniques along with bright modern colors to create a modern twist to a timeless artform. Her award-winning work is quickly becoming known all over the world for its clear intention to craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to patience. Monica’s work has received many accolades as well as ribbons at many of the largest and most well know Indian Markets. Her award-winning works have been added to the collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. In 2021 she was awarded the First Peoples Fund Cultural Capital Fellowship and the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation LIFT Fellowship to pass on traditional woodland quillwork knowledge."

--Provided by the artist for 2022 Eiteljorg Aritst in Residence

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