Current offerings
Rotating Exhibitions & Curatorial Learning
We offer a series of rotating exhibitions spotlighting Indigenous artists at the Creative Nations Gallery, paired with opportunities for aspiring Indigenous curators of all ages to learn how to plan, organize, and host their own exhibitions.
Vendor Fairs & Festivals
Discover unique and handmade treasures at our large comic and art festival, art markets, and pop-up events! Featuring a diverse selection of vendors and artists from Colorado and beyond!
Panels, Workshops & Skill Building
Panels, Workshops & Skill Building
In partnership with local businesses and organizations, Create áyA offers multigenerational connections through artist-led workshops and skill-building opportunities. The program brings together individuals whose paths may not otherwise cross and explores how art and creative practices can be used as tools for healing and for revitalizing cultural knowledge.
Our Team
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, co-founder and Executive Art Director of Create áyA, is a Sičháŋǧu Lakota and Cherokee artist whose work centers on community, social justice, and authentic cultural representation in pop culture. A multi-disciplinary artist, she brings over a decade of experience in youth programming and is deeply connected
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand, co-founder and Executive Art Director of Create áyA, is a Sičháŋǧu Lakota and Cherokee artist whose work centers on community, social justice, and authentic cultural representation in pop culture. A multi-disciplinary artist, she brings over a decade of experience in youth programming and is deeply connected to Denver’s Native community. Kristina leads áyA Con planning, outreach and programming while fostering strong relationships that ground and guide her work.
Rafael Maldonado Bad Hand
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand
Rafael Maldonado Bad Hand, co-founder and Operations Manager of Create áyA, is an Indigenous comic artist, writer, and illustrator best known for creating the independent comic Pilla, which follows a young girl searching for her father in a post-apocalyptic world. He brings years of vendor experience, logistical expertise, and hands-on
Rafael Maldonado Bad Hand, co-founder and Operations Manager of Create áyA, is an Indigenous comic artist, writer, and illustrator best known for creating the independent comic Pilla, which follows a young girl searching for her father in a post-apocalyptic world. He brings years of vendor experience, logistical expertise, and hands-on coordination to Create áyA, supporting the nonprofit’s operations and serving as vendor coordinator for áyA Con. Known for his collaborative nature and passion for uplifting fellow artists, he works to ensure Create áyA remains a welcoming and empowering space for creative communities.
Sid Whiting Jr.
Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand
Sid Whiting Jr.
Sid Whiting Jr is a Sičháŋǧu Lakota traditional dancer, singer, and artist deeply rooted in Denver’s Indigenous community. He crafts regalia, and other hand-made art, and has served on the Denver Art Museum’s Indigenous Community Advisory Council. In his role as Community Engagement Coordinator for Create áyA, Sid leverages his creative
Sid Whiting Jr is a Sičháŋǧu Lakota traditional dancer, singer, and artist deeply rooted in Denver’s Indigenous community. He crafts regalia, and other hand-made art, and has served on the Denver Art Museum’s Indigenous Community Advisory Council. In his role as Community Engagement Coordinator for Create áyA, Sid leverages his creative and cultural background to build meaningful connections and support the nonprofit’s mission of fostering cultural reconnection and uplifting Indigenous voices.
Our Partners
