Ashley Yazzie (Navajo Nation), 38, was raised on the Navajo Reservation by traditional parents and grandparents. Yazzie began painting in 4^th grade and finds inspiration in the joys of children, the beauty of natural landscapes, and traditional Navajo stories. For Yazzie, art is a way to connect with her ancestors, and keep her traditions thriving. Yazzie now lives in Durango, CO where she attends Fort Lewis College, studying Art with a minor in Native American Studies, and is a dedicated mother to her 1-year-old son and keeping him connected to their Native Heritage. It has been a lifelong goal of hers to share her art with the world.

Yazzie’s Dream is to connect Urban Natives to traditional teachings and culture by creating a series of paintings illustrating creation stories connected to the landscape, sacred sites, and incorporate themes surrounding the Coyote stories. The illustrated stories are a cumulation of teachings from her own family, members of the community, and further research. Once completed, Ashley plans to submit her work to a local gallery and share her work with her community.