Shannon Monk – Indigenous Stained Glass Artist

Shannon Monk is an Indigenous stained glass artist whose work brings together cultural teachings, personal experience, and original design. Through stained glass, mosaics, and fused glass techniques, she creates pieces shaped by family, community, and a deep commitment to cultural education.

About Shannon Monk

Portrait of Shannon Monk, Indigenous stained glass artist and Friends United artist.

Shannon Monk is a partner with Tribal Fusion Art and has been a glass artist since 2003.  She is the founder and CEO of Sakatay Global with an extensive background in First Nation cultural education and policy.

Shannon adores glass as a medium for creative expression.  She began this journey by learning the traditional copper foil technique. Not content to simply follow pre-made patterns, Shannon soon established a reputation for bringing her cultural teachings into her work, creating her own patterns as she went.  Glass on glass mosaic work followed, incorporating different techniques to maximize impact with both opaque and transparent glass.  With exposure to fused glass techniques and practice, Shannon invested in a kiln in order to fully immerse herself within this wonderful glass art method.

Shannon’s family roots are Anishinew (member of St Theresa Point First Nation, MB), Mi’kmaq (Lennox Island, PEI), and Celtic (Eastern Shore, NS).  Shannon has used a lifetime of family, community, and work experiences and teachings to influence her artistic creations as a glass artist.

As a mother and grandmother passionate about creating a better world of opportunity for our next generations, Shannon has collaborated with family members on various art projects.  For many years Shannon was a hobbyist, only selling the odd piece when inspired, but given increased interest and demand for her work, she made the decision to embrace her role as a cultural stained glass artist.

In partnership with Tribal Fusion Art, Shannon offers Indigenous cultural experiences through mosaic art classes.  She also creates unique, custom pieces for individual and corporate clients.

Stained Glass Art by Shannon Monk

Shannon Monk’s artwork reflects her cultural teachings, family connections, and personal experiences. Working with stained glass, glass-on-glass mosaics, and fused glass, she combines opaque and transparent materials to create original pieces with strong visual and cultural meaning.

Wolf-themed stained glass artwork titled Ukshin by Shannon Monk.
Mi’kmaq and Māori stained glass artwork by Shannon Monk.
Stained glass artwork titled JBR by Shannon Monk.
Medicine Wheel stained glass candle holder created by Shannon Monk.
Medicine Wheel stained glass bowl created by Shannon Monk.

Work, Cultural Education and Collaboration

Shannon Monk’s creative work extends beyond individual stained glass pieces. Through cultural education, mosaic art classes, and collaborative projects, she creates opportunities for people to learn through art and shared experience. Her work is shaped by family and community teachings and by her commitment to creating stronger opportunities for future generations.

As a Friends United artist, Shannon also contributes to conversations about culture, education, identity, and reconciliation. Her artistic practice and educational work demonstrate how glass art can become a medium for cultural expression, connection, and meaningful dialogue.

Related Interview

Shannon Monk speaks with Nancy Regan about reconciliation, education and cultural confidence at Friends United in Unama’ki, Cape Breton.

Reconciliation Through Education: Shannon Monk & Nancy Regan

In the Friends United Reconciliation Talk Reconciliation Through Education, Shannon Monk reflects on the importance of cultural education, respectful learning, and creating stronger relationships through shared understanding.

Supporting Indigenous Artists

Learn how Friends United supports Indigenous artists, creates opportunities for their work to be seen, and builds relationships through art, culture, and reconciliation. Discover how you can help support their work.

Supporting Indigenous Artists through Friends United

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