Click here to visit Weeya's Educational Site
Weeya Calif has a BA in Art Education with a Masters in Technology Integration. She is an art educator and has been a professional artist from a very young age. She teaches up to 640 students annually and offers art classes to the community, as well.
Weeya Calif is an instructor for digital art classes being offered in her Native American community. She has 23 years experience in teaching art and was awarded a grant for her school district to start digital art classes for the 6th graders. She was awarded another grant through the Dollars for Art Program run by the Oneida Nations Art Program and funding from sponsors to begin a digital art program for the Native community. She is also an artist and storyteller. Her greatest joy is teaching art. In 2022, Weeya was nominated for the Teacher of Distinction Award and was awarded the Golden Apple Award.
In 2023, she was the recepient of a grant from WAB (Wisconsin Arts Board) to mentor a younger storyteller and a grant from the Green Bay Public Arts Commission. With this grant, she will begin a digital traveling art class where she will offer her Digital Art Classes to children in the local community organizations. She will also be working with the Native American community as well.
Weeya is also a storyteller sharing her traditional stories from her grandmothers and aunties. She shares these stories at local libraries, community centers, pow wows and other venues were requested. She loves representing Southeast Woodland People as a storyteller and presenter all over the Midwest and at her tribal homelands in Alabama.
To learn more about Weeya, feel free to stroll around the website. She is open to creative suggestions and compliments where they apply. Be well.
Weeya Calif is an instructor for digital art classes being offered in her Native American community. She has 23 years experience in teaching art and was awarded a grant for her school district to start digital art classes for the 6th graders. She was awarded another grant through the Dollars for Art Program run by the Oneida Nations Art Program and funding from sponsors to begin a digital art program for the Native community. She is also an artist and storyteller. Her greatest joy is teaching art. In 2022, Weeya was nominated for the Teacher of Distinction Award and was awarded the Golden Apple Award.
In 2023, she was the recepient of a grant from WAB (Wisconsin Arts Board) to mentor a younger storyteller and a grant from the Green Bay Public Arts Commission. With this grant, she will begin a digital traveling art class where she will offer her Digital Art Classes to children in the local community organizations. She will also be working with the Native American community as well.
Weeya is also a storyteller sharing her traditional stories from her grandmothers and aunties. She shares these stories at local libraries, community centers, pow wows and other venues were requested. She loves representing Southeast Woodland People as a storyteller and presenter all over the Midwest and at her tribal homelands in Alabama.
To learn more about Weeya, feel free to stroll around the website. She is open to creative suggestions and compliments where they apply. Be well.
Ms. Weeya Calif, Foxview Art Teacher, Named 2022 Golden Apple Award Winner
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Selected from more than 1000 nominees and 30 semifinalists
Ms. Weeya Calif, art teacher at Foxview Intermediate School, has been named a 2022 Golden Apple Award winner. The Golden Apple Awards program, sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, annually recognizes high-quality educators based on professionalism, leadership and innovation.
Ms. Calif has taught art in the District since 2006. During that time, she has been instrumental in expanding the art curriculum at Foxview to incorporate courses in digital design for 6th grade students, while introducing the principles of design to 5th graders.
"There are two people who have influenced my life and how I teach," says Ms. Calif. "Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. I took this to heart many years ago when she spoke at my university. I want every child, when they leave my class, to feel worthy and important.
"The other was Pablo Picasso. He is quoted as saying, 'Every child is an artist.' I truly feel this is true and I strive to reach that artist within each child."
The Most Rewarding Part of Teaching
"Two things come to mind when I think about how rewarding my job is today. The first would be the excitement each child shows when they learn that they too can draw, paint and create wonderful art. It warms my heart to see their willingness to try with each new project and when their eyes light up, it melts my heart," she says.
"But most of all, it's when they are no longer with me and I run across their artwork somewhere else. I look over it and smile to myself because I see the things I taught them and they use those techniques in their art. To see them grow with their art and to know I am a part of that foundation means the world to me and that is why teaching is so rewarding."
Ms. Calif has a bachelor's degree in art education, and a master's degree in technology integration. In addition, she is a Lifetime Certified K-12 art teacher in Wisconsin and Louisiana and is a frequent guest speaker at elementary, middle and high schools in Wisconsin and surrounding areas regarding Southeast Woodland People, attending living history events and rendezvous representing Southeast Woodland People as a storyteller and presenter.
Pamela Pirman, Communications Director
Unified School District of De Pere
Ms. Weeya Calif, art teacher at Foxview Intermediate School, has been named a 2022 Golden Apple Award winner. The Golden Apple Awards program, sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber, annually recognizes high-quality educators based on professionalism, leadership and innovation.
Ms. Calif has taught art in the District since 2006. During that time, she has been instrumental in expanding the art curriculum at Foxview to incorporate courses in digital design for 6th grade students, while introducing the principles of design to 5th graders.
"There are two people who have influenced my life and how I teach," says Ms. Calif. "Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. I took this to heart many years ago when she spoke at my university. I want every child, when they leave my class, to feel worthy and important.
"The other was Pablo Picasso. He is quoted as saying, 'Every child is an artist.' I truly feel this is true and I strive to reach that artist within each child."
The Most Rewarding Part of Teaching
"Two things come to mind when I think about how rewarding my job is today. The first would be the excitement each child shows when they learn that they too can draw, paint and create wonderful art. It warms my heart to see their willingness to try with each new project and when their eyes light up, it melts my heart," she says.
"But most of all, it's when they are no longer with me and I run across their artwork somewhere else. I look over it and smile to myself because I see the things I taught them and they use those techniques in their art. To see them grow with their art and to know I am a part of that foundation means the world to me and that is why teaching is so rewarding."
Ms. Calif has a bachelor's degree in art education, and a master's degree in technology integration. In addition, she is a Lifetime Certified K-12 art teacher in Wisconsin and Louisiana and is a frequent guest speaker at elementary, middle and high schools in Wisconsin and surrounding areas regarding Southeast Woodland People, attending living history events and rendezvous representing Southeast Woodland People as a storyteller and presenter.
Pamela Pirman, Communications Director
Unified School District of De Pere
2022 Teacher of Distinction Award
I am very pleased that out of 1,000 nominations, I was chosen as one of the 2022 Teachers of Distinction!!! I am so proud of all the nominees as it takes all of us to do and be our best for our students. Thank you to The Greater Green Bay Chamber and now we just wait to see who will win the Golden Apple. Best wishes to all the Teachers of Distinction.
My newest coloring book has just been published. This coloring book is for young and old. It is a combination of drawings that became paintings. Some of these paintings have gone on to be sold and found new homes. Some have won awards. Some of the drawings are whimsical while others tell a story. Enjoy coloring Native American themed drawings, gardens, nature and more.The artwork was created from a life time of experiences, stories told or from the imagination of the artist.
If you are interested in purchasing this coloring book, Please click on the link below. Thank you so much for choosing and supporting my art!!!
Coloring Fun: By Weeya Calif
If you are interested in purchasing this coloring book, Please click on the link below. Thank you so much for choosing and supporting my art!!!
Coloring Fun: By Weeya Calif
I published my first coloring book. The color sheets are the original drawings which became my original paintings. The coloring sheets are Native American themed and a joy to color whether you are an adult or child.
If you are interested in purchasing the coloring book, please click the link below. Thank you in advance for your patronage and support of my art!!!
Coloring Our Traditions: Native American Themed Coloring Book
If you are interested in purchasing the coloring book, please click the link below. Thank you in advance for your patronage and support of my art!!!
Coloring Our Traditions: Native American Themed Coloring Book
Official Native American Member of the Indian Arts & Craft Association. See listing. (Listed under former name of Weeya Smith)
IACA Membership Final Roster
Listed on Page 25 - Printed Version
IACA Membership Final Roster
Listed on Page 25 - Printed Version