Vanessa Yava

Opening Reception:
* Saturday, December 14, 3:00 – 6:00 pm

We are very enthusiastic about our next featured artist, Vanessa Yava, an East Bay artist of Hopi, Tewa, Diné, Scottish, and Irish descent.

She considers her father, Aaron Yava, her principal teacher and inspiration, although she also studied formally in the best art schools of Oakland and San Francisco.

Bold and bright, Vanessa’s art echoes her appreciation for comics, graphic novels, and street art. In all her work we appreciate her love and passion for her culture, her people and nature. Vanessa works primarily in acrylic, ink, and mixed media, including wood, glass, and Masonite.

A major (and big) mural created by Vanessa and two of her friends and fellow artists, Tory Canby and Theo Knox, can be enjoyed in Oakland at Intertribal Friendship House.

In addition to Vanessa’s own art, the new exhibit features works by her father, a major influence for her. She wrote about him in her book “Existing…and a Part of me…The Drawings of Aaron Yava.” Viewers at the exhibit can enjoy seeing and discussing how the work of father and daughter is similar but also different.

The opening reception for Vanessa’s exhibit will be Saturday, December 14 from 3pm to 7pm.