Karita Coffey (born 1947) is a Comanche ceramist, noted especially for producing ceramic versions of cultural items from her tribe, in addition to ceramic vessels.[2] She also works in lost-wax cast metals.
Background and education
Karita Coffey's Comanche name is Tsat-Tah Mo-oh Kahn, which translates to "Good-Handed."[1] Coffey lived in Lawton, Oklahoma, before beginning her artistic training at the Institute of American Indian Arts[3] when it was still a high school. She earned her bachelor's of fine arts and graduate degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma.[4]
Career
Coffey completed teacher certification in art and served as artist-in-residence for the Oklahoma City public school system and taught pottery in Native American education programs in Oklahoma.[5] Coffey later taught at IAIA[2] for 25 years before retiring in 2015 to work on her sculpture.[3]
Indian Artists, 1977 at Via Gambaro Gallery, owned by Retha Walden Gambaro and Stephen A. Gambaro organized with the American Indian Society of Washington D.C, 1977[7]
National American Indian Women's Art Show at Via Gambaro Gallery, owned by Retha Walden Gambaro and Stephen A. Gambaro, 1980[5]
Anticipating the Dawn: Contemporary Art by Native American Women, at the Gardiner Art Gallery at Oklahoma State University, curated by Anita Fields, 2000.