The West Virginia University Art in the Libraries exhibition, “Indigenous Appalachia,” won the West Virginia Association of Museums' (WVAM) 2025 Innovative Programming Award. Demonstrating exceptional creativity and innovation in design, interpretation, visitor engagement and topic/theme, the exhibit was selected as the winner amongst a collection of West Virginia exhibits, projects and programs.
Art in the Libraries consulting committee member Lori Hostuttler (right) accepting WVAM 2025 Innovative Programming Award from WVAM President Katie Thompson.
“It’s an incredible honor for “Indigenous Appalachia” to receive the Innovative Programming Award from WVAM. This exhibit has always been about centering Indigenous voices — past, present and future — in the Appalachian region, and I’m deeply grateful for the recognition and continued support that makes this work possible," said Art in the Libraries Curator Sally Brown, "Supporting these artists and perspectives isn't just important — it's essential. This award affirms that collaborative, community-centered storytelling has the power to shift narratives and open minds.”
Collaborative, community-centered storytelling has the power to shift narratives and open minds. Sally Brown, curator, art in the libraries, WVU Libraries
The award was presented to WVU Libraries representative and Art in the Libraries consulting committee member Lori Hostuttler on behalf of Curator Sally Brown at the 2025 WVAM Conference on April 4 in Huntington, West Virginia.
Amelia Winger-Bearskin's "Horizon Sky."
The “Indigenous Appalachia” exhibit aims to increase awareness of the contributions of Indigenous Appalachians to the region’s shared history and present while also recognizing continuing injustices faced by Indigenous people. Through visuals and educational content, the exhibit explores themes of people, lands and waters, and provides opportunity for campus and community engagement via coursework and programming.
Since its 2022 launch at the WVU Downtown Library, the “Indigenous Appalachia” exhibit has traveled to Marshall University Library, WVU Beckley Campus Library and Appalachian State University Library, and will travel to Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville, West Virginia this summer. The exhibit is also available online and viewable via the WVU Research Repository.
The exhibit was intentionally curated with the expertise and contribution of Indigenous Appalachians alongside scholars of Native American Studies, featuring work by 15 contemporary Indigenous artists and scholarship and contributions from several Native scholars and Native Nations. Visit indigenousappalachia.lib.wvu.edu for a full list of artists and contributors.
The “Indigenous Appalachia” exhibit was made possible thanks to sponsors including the West Virginia Humanities Council, the WVU Humanities Center, the WVU Office of the Provost, the Antero Foundation, the Oakland Foundation, Morgantown Printing and Binding, Marshall University Libraries, Appalachia State University Libraries and the West Virginia Library Commission.
Visit exhibits.lib.wvu.edu to learn more about Art in the Libraries and its other exhibits and programming.