Mona Mitakiki Shepherd Australian, Arrernte/Pitjantjatjara, b. 1954

Mona started painting with Tjurma Arts and Crafts back in 1998. After a long break she returned to painting at Tjala Arts (formerly Minymaku Arts) in mid 2003. Mona's husband, Michael Mitakiki also painted briefly at the art centre. After the death of her husband in May 2005 Mona changed her surname from Mitakiki to Shepherd for cultural reasons - Pitjantjatjara people are not allowed to see or hear the name of the deceased.

Mona  also paints collaborative paintings with Naomi Kanjturiny and Tjimpayi Presley. The ladies were taught to paint by senior artist Kunmanara Katie Kawiny. She has passed away now but the younger women and their grand-daughters carry her story on for future generations.