The Legacy of Terry Adkins

“I am a sculptor, musician, and latter-day practitioner of the long-standing African American tradition of ennobling worthless things,” Adkins wrote. A beloved and influential artist, his singular practice integrated sculpture, live music, spoken language, and video. Terry Adkins was a faculty member in the Weitzman School of Design, teaching from 2000 until his sudden passing in February 2014. He left an indelible mark not only through his work but also through his profound impact on his students, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant success, contributing to major institutions and public art collections around the world.  

This event, a collaborative effort between the Weitzman School of Design, Arthur Ross Gallery, and the Penn Art Collection, showcases the vibrant Fine Arts ecosystem at Penn.