ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Penn Museum's Native North America Gallery Features Contemporary Indigenous Artworks

exhibition · 2026-03-15

The Penn Museum's Native North America Gallery presents a collection that spans over 13,000 years of history across four U.S. regions, with a deliberate inclusion of contemporary pieces curated by eight Indigenous advisors. Seven recent works by living artists are currently on view, showcasing diverse media and cultural perspectives. Preston Singletary exhibits a glass sculpture blending Lingít traditions with studio glass techniques, while Holly Wilson displays a mixed-media piece addressing Indigenous identity. Jonathan Rowan contributes a functional carved fishing hook, Brenda Mallory presents a sculpture referencing land allotment policies, and Christopher Lewis shows a traditional yucca basket. Vina Brown's acrylic earrings and Charlie Watty's walnut wood carving complete the selection, highlighting ongoing artistic practices and cultural continuity.

Key facts

  • The Native North America Gallery at Penn Museum includes contemporary artworks alongside historical objects
  • Eight Indigenous curators from four regions helped organize the exhibition
  • Seven living artists have works currently displayed, created between 2019 and 2025
  • The gallery covers over 13,000 years of history across four United States regions
  • Artworks employ diverse media including glass, mixed-media sculpture, wood carving, and textiles

Entities

Artists

  • Preston Singletary
  • Holly Wilson
  • Jonathan Rowan
  • Brenda Mallory
  • Christopher Lewis
  • Vina Brown
  • Charlie Watty

Institutions

  • Penn Museum
  • Native North America Gallery
  • Pilchuck Glass School

Locations

  • Philadelphia
  • Seattle
  • Washington State
  • British Columbia
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma

Sources