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