Shana Yellow Calf, an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, has been creating captivating artwork across multiple mediums since the 1990s. Her work reflects a blend of influences—her Plains heritage of Arapaho and Shoshone, her mother’s Chippewa/Metis roots, and the Pacific Northwest Coastal traditions of the Puget Sound region where she was raised.

 

Recognized for her vibrant color palettes and storytelling approach, Shana’s art weaves together personal experiences, traditional tales, and the movement of cultural dance forms expressed through a contemporary lens. Her dedication has earned her features in Indianz Magazine and exhibitions in several respected galleries, including Soil Gallery, Sacred Circle Gallery, and King Street Station Gallery in Seattle. She also received a City of Redmond grant to create a multi-medium artwork for the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, unveiled in May 2024.

 

Shana’s artistic momentum continues to rise. She was recently showcased in the esteemed In the Spirit exhibition at the Washington State Museum, where her modern interpretations of Indigenous art drew significant attention and resulted in one of her pieces being acquired by the museum. This milestone broadened her reach, leading to collaborations with institutions such as Yellowstone National Park, the Montclair Art Museum, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, and the Natural History Museum of Utah.

​

In 2024, Shana made her debut at the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market (SWAIA), one of North America’s most competitive and celebrated Indigenous art showcases. Her participation marked a major career achievement, introducing her work to new audiences and placing her alongside many of today’s leading Indigenous artists.

 

Shana recently completed her first children’s book, Frybread Trails – The Adventures Across Frybread Country, which she both wrote and illustrated. Most recently, she partnered with the Washington Arts Commission to create a new state map highlighting tribal museums and cultural points of interest for all Washington State tribes. This large-scale acrylic artwork will be adapted into a brochure scheduled for release ahead of the 2026 World Cup.