The Art of Kimberly Crowley

Contemporary Native American cultures and traditions remain vibrant in Wisconsin and beyond. OPM features the work of a Native American artist in the Living Cultures section of People of the Waters annually. These installations include artwork and video that centers the voice of each artist. This year, we are proud to highlight Kimberly Crowley.

Kimberly Crowley, a Thunder Clan member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, has been a traditional black-ash basket maker for almost forty years. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, Crowley strives to build a legacy across generations through this traditional art. Crowley is a member of the Hall family, who are known to be master basket makers. For Crowley, her art is not just about herself, but about her family. They work together to harvest, prepare, and weave black ash wood into intricate baskets—from miniature to large. Crowley wants to keep this traditional art alive, so she is passionate about teaching her skills to others through workshops and classes.