About A. Day
Andrea Day is a multidisciplinary artist, cultural advocate, accomplished musician, and citizen of the Mvskoke Nation in Oklahoma. Infused with a profound cultural resonance, Andrea redefines traditional Mvskoke fine art with a contemporary touch. Her inventive "acrybead" technique integrates acrylic paint and intricately handsewn seed beads on stretched canvas, crafting a unique signature medium that bridges her Mvskoke culture with innovation.
Guided by a passion for cultural preservation and desire to reclaim and evolve ancestral traditions, Andrea's work breathes life into original designs inspired by nature and the collaborative spirit she experienced during her years in New York City.
Andrea’s artistic journey has taken a remarkable evolution, leading her to establish A. Day’s Work LLC, a venture dedicated to showcasing her unique and innovative medium. Building on her creative vision, Andrea's captivating designs can also be experienced through her original work currently available for purchase at Exhibit C Gallery in Bricktown, OKC.
In addition to her original works and designs, Andrea creates enhanced giclée prints of her artwork. These prints not only capture the essence of her captivating designs but also incorporate glass bead enhancements, creating an illusion of three-dimensionality. Andrea’s artwork stands out as a testament to her commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional Native art forms. Her unique approach has garnered recognition, captivating art enthusiasts and further solidifying her position as a rising star in the Native arts community.
Having made a name for herself in the performing arts scene in NYC, Andrea's journey has been one of artistic exploration and connection. Her career highlights in New York City include a solo debut recital at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall in 2014. This groundbreaking performance featured compositions by Mvskoke composer Grace Wiley Smith, as well as the world premiere of "Mother Earth," a commissioned work by Erin Rogers. Andrea's musical talents also earned her a television solo debut on Season 13, Episode 10 of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice in 2013. As an ambience “flautist”, she enchanted audiences at an event promoting Foxwood Resorts, leaving an indelible impression on both the judges and hosts.
Not confined to music, Andrea's artistic prowess extended to curating and essay writing. In 2009, she curated and penned essays for the AMERINDA visual arts group exhibition, "Relevant: Reflection – Reformation – Revival," hosted at the Nathan Cummings Foundation. Her thought-provoking essay, "Relevant: Rethinking Indian Art," with an introduction by Dorothy Lichtenstein, added depth and context to the exhibition, challenging conventional notions of Indigenous art.
Off-Broadway, Andrea made her mark as a stage-reader/actor in "Thieves" by William S. Yellow Robe, Jr., produced by AMERINDA at The Public Theater in 2009. This experience further fueled her artistic vision and deepened her commitment to representing and empowering Native voices in the arts.
Driven by a desire to contribute to her Native community, Andrea immersed herself in the cultural landscape of New York City. She served as a Cultural Development Fund Panelist for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. In this role, she evaluated numerous organizations' cultural services and contributed to the distribution of The Cultural Fund in multiple fiscal years, fostering the growth and impact of fine arts in the city.
In 2022, Andrea made a life-changing decision to relocate her family to Oklahoma, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a vision for creating positive change. She swiftly reconnected with the Native community and began actively contributing her expertise as a cultural arts consultant for Edmond Indian Education in Edmond Public Schools. Additionally, she joined the Board of Trustees of The Oscar Jacobson Foundation at Jacobson House Native Art Center, where she advocates for the preservation and promotion of Native art and heritage.
Recognized for her strategic acumen and dedication to community development, Andrea assumed the role of Board Chairman for the Oklahoma Clean Technology Association (OCTA) in 2023. In this capacity, she leverages her nonprofit strategy expertise to advance clean technology initiatives and foster sustainable practices within the state.
Andrea’s academic background includes a Master of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Pennsylvania State University. She was a Doc Tate Nevaquaya Scholar at the University of Oklahoma and received an American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship in 2004.
