The digital world has opened realms of Indigenous comic books and zines to the public through visual components in both print and digital art. The ability to author our own stories has given us the power to dismantle stereotypes and make room for visibility amongst Indigenous communities in art and activism. Join the Labriola Center Friday, September 8th, 2023 from 6-7:30pm for an Indigenous Comic Book Workshop with artist and educator, Kayla Shaggy!

Kayla Shaggy (Diné and Anishinaabe) is an educator and Indigenous artist who published her first zine in 2016. Growing up, Kayla struggled with motor hand control, reading, and writing. However, this did not deter her from her journey as an artist. An artist herself, Kayla's grandmother introduced her granddaughter to comics. At age seven, Kayla created her own comic book. Kayla's work leans towards horror and LGBTQ themes. Her artwork primarily uses heavy linework and shadows, which elevate bold elements of suspense, shadows, and depth within her stories, like ANATHEMA. ANATHEMA is based on two Diné twin sisters on a journey to find their mother's murderer. In this first issue, the twin sisters stumble across a village haunted by a beast that lives in a forest full of eyes. I bought my own copy at the Phoenix Zine Festival last year from Kayla and was submerged in her story and captivated by her striking linework. You can purchase her work and explore her store on her website, kaylashaggy.gallery or check out a copy of ANATHEMA at Hayden Library's Zine collection (Call number: Z286.Z54 S534 2022).

Learn more about Kayla Shaggy by visiting her website kaylashaggy.gallery or her Instagram @triplejeopardyproductions