Mary Gutierrez Gayette reflects her Apache history through her art Growing up in Dulce, the sole community and tribal headquarters of the Jicarilla Apache Nation located in north-central New Mexico, Mary’s Apache name is Kolsi Laish Shakave, meaning "red flower blue cornmeal". Her grandfather, a full-blooded Apache, was named Chikave for his love of blue cornmeal, known as ‘atole’ in Spanish. Moving to La Madera, New Mexico at six years of age with her grandmother, Olita Treviño Gutierrez, Mary’s family was very resourceful, growing their own food and raising livestock. Without electricity or running water, they learned self-sufficiency. Taking care of her two younger sisters, Mary was part of a large family with nearly nine grandchildren and seven of her grandmother's own children living in a four-room house. They made their own tortillas, hunted animals, and utilized what they had on the ranch. Mary's grandfather grew alfalfa and worked the fields, while her grandmother managed the orchard and garden. Mary moved to Washington State, graduating from Tumwater High School and purchasing her first house at 18 years old. She attended Clover Park Technical College for interior design and studied psychology and Spanish at Centralia College. She became a para-educator for the Centralia School District, working with kids on the autism spectrum, and later for the Muckleshoot Tribal School in special education. Eventually, Mary reconnected with her biological mother, an artist and bead worker, spending time with her to strengthen their relationship. She began to pursue her dream of being an artist, attending Clover Park Technical College learning interior design for two years. Working on decor for manufactured housing, she staged homes with furniture, accessories, and artwork, showcasing her creativity at home shows. [Artist Statement] We feel very fortunate to feature the art and jewelry of Mary Gutierrez Gayette at Barlow Gallery.