June Carpenter

June Carpenter is an Osage Nation tribal member and a self-taught, multidisciplinary artist who was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her artwork addresses systemic injustices against Native people and explores connections to community and nature, all in an effort to process the past and its lasting effects, to consider opportunities to redress past wrongs, and to strengthen identity and strive for healing. She tells community, family, and personal stories through diverse media and forms, including painting, papercutting, sculpture, fiber arts, and installation. Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Science from Tulane University, and a Juris Doctorate and Master of Arts from the University of Oklahoma. She has worked as a NAGPRA Assistant for the Osage Nation and in museums as a Collections Manager and Registrar. Now based in Chicago, she is the NAGPRA Director at the Field Museum. Through both artwork and museum work, she seeks to meaningfully represent and honor Indigenous Peoples and to promote awareness and healing.