We Are The Keepers Mural Project
We Are The Keepers Mural Project
Topeka, Kansas
ABOUT THE PROJECT
ArtsConnect in partnership with the Tonantzin Society and under the artistic leadership of Kansas Mural Roster artist, Mona Cliff, will paint a series of murals along the banks of the Shunganunga Creek in Topeka, Kansas. These murals will be painted on retaining walls that run alongside the Shunga Trail and will focus on themes of environmental justice and waterway protection.
EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES
In partnership with organizations who specialize in native plants and environmental justice, part of this project included a river cleanup and water blessing led by Steve Cadue and Carol Cadue-Blackwood.
Lead Artist: Mona Cliff
Mona Cliff, 1977 (Aaniiih/Nakota) is a multidisciplinary visual artist. Beadwork & sewing applique and mural painting have been a primary foundation of her artist practice. Her art also focuses on how traditional arts are passed down between generations of women, thus influencing culture.
Mona pursues the concepts of generational knowledge while exploring other topics such as native futurism and identity. She recently concluded a commissioned installation for the Kansas City Museum, where she is incorporating seed beads as a way to work in harmony and honor nature’s forms.
She recently installed a hand-beaded piece spanning 15' for the Kansas City Airport Terminal's 1% for the arts program. Mona is married and has 3 children ages 11, 12 & 13 years old. She currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas. Mona Cliff is an enrolled member of the Gros Ventre tribe (A'aninin/Nakota Nations) she is Frozen Clan (Aaniiih) and of the Medicine Bear Clan (Nakota) of Ft. Belknap, Montana.
MURAL SITE PHOTOS
COLORING BOOK PAGES
