The first major traveling exhibition dedicated to Anishinaabe porcupine quill art will end its tour at the Michigan State University (MSU) Museum. Titled Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons / It’s Not Just a Quill Box / Anishinaabe Gaak Gaawiiyikewin Zhichiganan / Anishinabek Porcupine Quill Art, the exhibition features nearly 90 artworks drawn from both public and private collections, including the MSU Museum’s extensive holdings and archives built over 40 years of research and programming through the Michigan Traditional Arts Program.
This fully bilingual exhibition which is presented in Anishinaabemowin and English celebrates the creativity, skill, and cultural continuity of contemporary Anishinaabe artists from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Manitoulin Island, Canada. It honors the generations of elders and ancestors who have passed down this intricate art form and highlights the enduring relationships between teachers and learners, the connection to natural resources, and the resilience of Indigenous traditions in the modern era.
“Quillwork is more than just a beautiful art form—it’s a reflection of our identity, our teachings, and our deep relationship with the land,” said Minnie Wabanimkee, Anishinabe tribal elder and photographer. “Every piece carries the voice of our ancestors and the care of those who continue this practice today. It’s powerful to see our traditions honored in this way.”
Co-managed by Wabanimkee and Dr. Marsha MacDowell, Curator of Folk Arts at the MSU Museum and Director of the Michigan Traditional Arts Program, the exhibition was developed through close collaboration among Native artists, archivists, language specialists, elders, MSU faculty, and curators. A Native advisory committee ensured the cultural integrity and authenticity of the exhibition.
In addition to the artwork, visitors can explore videos and photographs documenting the harvesting of materials and the quill art-making process, as well as interactive panels, hands-on activities, and a recreation of a master artist’s workstation.
“This exhibition gives voice to generations of Anishinaabe artists who have sustained and enriched this art form,” said Dr. Marsha MacDowell. “It’s a testament to their creativity, persistence, and cultural leadership, and it highlights the importance of working in partnership with Native communities to honor and preserve these living traditions.”
The exhibition will open at the MSU Museum on September 1 and remain on view through November 25, 2026. A special celebration is planned for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. To register and learn more about upcoming programs, visit the events page.
This project was led by the collaborative efforts of the Ziibiwing Center for Anishinaabe Culture and Lifeways; the Michigan Traditional Arts Program and MSU Office of University Outreach and Engagement; and the Michigan State University Museum. The project has been made possible through support from the Terra Foundation for American Art, National Endowment for the Arts, Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Andrew W. Mellon/Less Commonly Taught Language Grant at Michigan State University, Michigan Traditional Arts Exhibition Fund/MSU with additional in-kind support from the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinaabe Culture and Lifeways (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan), Michigan State University Museum, Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians), Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (Manitoulin Island, Canada), Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network, Michigan Traditional Arts Program/MSU, Michigan State University Native American Institute, and the MSU University Outreach and Engagement.
Image Caption:
Nji-sa ndoweminaanik/ To Our Sisters
Yvonne Walker Keshick (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians)
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Michigan State Gchi-kinoomaagegamik, Michigan Naadiziiwin gegoo Zhichigan nokiiwin/ Michigan State University Museum, Michigan Traditional Arts Program Collection 7594.20