Leah Mata – Chumash Artist & Ethnobotanist a Friends of Indian Art Event

Leah Mata is a member of the yak tityu tityu – Northern Chumash Tribe, located on the Central California Coast. Her work focuses on living forms of regalia and jewelry, which she creates using traditional practices. Her work is also closely tied to environmental issues, sustainability, and site-specific materials. Leah holds a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Cultural Sustainability. She has won numerous awards and teaches Indigenous Liberal Studies at IAIA.  Please join us for an informative evening to hear Leah discuss her work, the effect of climate on traditional native art, and the debate within her community whether to evolve traditions or let them die.