Photo Credit: Discover Mediaworks
Meet Truman Lowe, a born and raised Ho-Chunk native who sought after his creative career as an artist incorporating the traditions of his prized heritage. As a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Truman championed his culture in each of his creations, inspiring many students throughout his life while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to follow. Read on to hear the story of Truman Lowe’s impactful life and everlasting legacy that still remains to this day.
His Inspiring Life
Photo Credit: Discover Mediaworks
Truman Lowe grew up outside of Black River Falls on Indian Mission where he was surrounded by family and a close-knit community. His community fully embraced Ho-Chunk Nation’s culture and heritage, which allowed him to have an innate understanding of its importance. In fact, Ho-Chunk was his first language.
As Truman got older, he had the opportunity to continue his higher education at UW-La Crosse where he was first struck with the idea of becoming an artist. Through many classes, he began to learn the basics of artistry and find his niche medium–wood. With his father being a basket maker, Truman was introduced to wood and its intricate properties at a young age. He quickly mastered the symbiotic relationships between static and moving, which was of his particular interest. Truman formed each piece of wood dynamically in a way that it would flex as a liquid.
By his original designs, Truman became known as a minimalist because of his reverence for his Native Ho-Chunk heritage, reducing forms to their bare essentials and incorporating traditional arts-and-crafts into his modern, fine-art pieces. During the late 20th century, Truman was recognized as one of the foremost Native artists. He set forth to accomplish his life goal of promoting Native art not only through creations of his own, but also through the work of his students.
His Lasting Legacy
Photo Credit: Discover Mediaworks
Throughout Truman’s life, he undoubtedly influenced thousands of students, Native graduates and continues to do so even after he has passed through his legacy. On the UW-Madison campus, he is known as the champion of all things Native American, and remembered by his involvement in the Native American program where he mentored many students.
While on the UW-La Crosse campus, the place where his artistic journey began, Truman truly left his mark. So much so that they have named their building after him–Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. This building speaks directly to his legacy as an artist, but also his time of instruction encouraging students to dually channel their creativity and culture.
Today, Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts serves as a representation to Native students that they, too, can live an inspirational and impactful life rooted in their Ho-Chunk heritage. As he once appreciated the opportunity to receive a higher education, other Native students have the same chance with the dedication of this building, representing his legacy and the culture of Ho-Chunk Nation.
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Truman Lowe’s story is one of inspiration and profound impact, especially for Ho-Chunk Nation. During his life, he pursued his artistic career while encompassing the traditions of his cherished culture. Not only did Truman inspire through his cultural creations, but he impacted the lives of many students during his own, which left a lasting legacy behind.
Truman’s story doesn’t stop there. Learn more about Truman Lowe by watching Discover Wisconsin’s digital short ‘Exploring the Artistic Process of Truman Lowe: A Journey Through Native American Art & Education’ now:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
