This fall, the Aptos Library will feature a tribute to Native American heritage and culture through the work of local artist Becky Olvera Schultz. From October through December, Becky’s Native art will be prominently displayed in the main area of the library in recognition of National Native American Heritage Month.
Becky, of Kickapoo and Shawnee descent, creates deeply personal and spiritual pieces. Her work includes clay masks, rawhide shields, photography, serigraphy, painting, and mixed media. Many of her masks reflect Native American traditions and feature realistic faces adorned with horsehair and traditional colors of the four directions — red, black, white, and yellow. In contrast, her Southwestern-style pieces are more whimsical, with vibrant palettes and playful designs.
Her journey back to art was a deeply emotional one. Though she aspired to be an artist in her youth, family pressures led her to pursue a pre-med path, which ultimately didn’t align with her passions. She left college and entered the publishing industry, setting aside her artistic dreams.
Years later, after the loss of her brother, Becky took a Native American drum-making class for healing. This reawakened her love for creating with her hands and led her to explore sculpting and other forms of expression. Her masks — some inspired by historical photographs, others born entirely from her imagination — resonate with spirit, capturing the essence of her heritage.
Becky’s art has been featured in nine museum exhibitions and shown in galleries across the country. She has also participated in Santa Cruz Open Studios 12 times.
Visitors are invited to experience this exhibition that celebrates culture and memory. Through her work, Becky Olvera Schultz not only honors her ancestors but invites others to connect with her view of the rich and diverse history of Native American peoples.
Aptos Library
7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA
Phone: (831) 427-7702