Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe
Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe is the first major retrospective dedicated to acclaimed Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) artist Truman Lowe. The exhibition brings together nearly 50 of Lowe’s sculptures, drawings, and paintings, highlighting the evolution of his work across his career. Lowe’s elegant, minimalist sculptures—fashioned from willow branches, feathers, and other organic materials—evoke the rivers, streams, and waterfalls of the Wisconsin woodlands where he was raised, as well as the canoes used to traverse those waters. His sensitively rendered pastel and charcoal drawings reflect on cultural traditions, memory, and human relationships to place. The exhibition features rarely seen monumental works and significant pieces from public and private collections, including 28 works from the National Museum of the American Indian’s own collection. A companion catalogue offers scholarly essays and reflections by artists whose work has been impacted by Lowe, chronicling the artist’s life and artistic development.
When: November 25, 2025–January 18, 2027
Venue: National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, DC
Tickets: Price not available
Lineup: The exhibition includes nearly 50 works spanning Lowe’s career—sculptures (e.g., *Feather Canoe*, *Wa-Du-Sheh (Bundle)*, *Stream II*, *Ottawa*, *Mimi*), pastel drawings (e.g., *Stars*), and paintings. Materials include peeled willow saplings, feathers, copper wire, paper, wax, leather, powdered pigment, pastel, watercolor, stones, pine, glass beads, and more.
Catalogue: A companion catalogue is available, featuring new perspectives, scholarly essays, and reflections by artists influenced by Lowe.
Sponsors: Leading support provided by Bank of America; major support by the Henry Luce Foundation; generous support by the Terra Foundation for American Art and Ameriprise Financial; additional support by John and Meryl Lavine, Greg and Cathy Tibbles, and Leslie A. Wheelock.
Note: After its run at the National Museum of the American Indian, the exhibition will travel to the Milwaukee Art Museum (April 9–August 1, 2027).