entrance to the Storytelling Studio

Storytelling Studio Artist Kristina Maldonado-Bad Hand

Video Interview with the Artist

Kristina Maldonado-Bad Hand is a Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee artist that hails from Taos, New Mexico. She is a mom and stepmom and an artist of many talents. Her passion for community and social justice has led her to speak on matters of equality and cultural representation in pop culture. She is a graphic designer, illustrator, comic creator, and co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission. She studied for four years at the Art Institute of Colorado in the Media Arts and Animation program and has 10 years of experience in after-school and summer programs. She is known for her work with Pop Culture Classroom in their comic-based literacy curriculum, as a community and OBH liaison with the Jeffco Indian Education Program, and as a Think 360 Artist for her SEL lessons through design and pop culture.

The Map of Denver collaboration was definitely one of the most fun projects I have done.

“Though I was born and raised in Taos, I have a lot of family ties to Denver and especially the Native community here. This project meant a lot to me because from the moment I came here to attend college I fell in love with the energy. Every time I travel, I always feel a wash of relief when I drive back into town. It’s my city. And I, like so many others, have some really great memories in various places all around the metro area. I loved the idea of being a part of something that connects people in this way. As a visual storyteller, I found this project idea very cool and interactive, though I love to tell my own stories with my art. I think my favorite part of being an artist is to encourage and see the stories that others come up with. Whether they are my idols, peers, or students, I just like hearing and seeing what they can do and being a part of the support system behind that.”