Exhibits & Events

PHILADELPHIA (July 19, 2026) — “Indigenous Irregularities:Anna Tsouhlarakis,” is the second annual exhibition presentingworks created by the Edgar Heap of Birds Family Artist-inResidence at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. OpeningAug. 25 at Temple Contemporary, the show features text collagesand newly created sculptures by Tsouhlarakis. In conjunctionwith the exhibition the artist will deliver a public lecture atTyler on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 4:30 p.m

“Indigenous Irregularities: Anna Tsouhlarakis” exploresunexpected, contradictory and often improvised aspects ofcontemporary Native experience. Tsouhlarakis incorporatesfound objects, industrial materials, and hand-crafted elementsto embrace irregularity as both a formal strategy and aconceptual framework, challenging fixed narratives surroundingIndigenous histories, aesthetics, and cultural authenticity. Fragments are reassembled, materials are repurposed, anddisparate visual languages combine to create works that are at once humorous, critical, and personal. 

During her residency, Tsouhlarakis ventured into glass for the first time, expanding her interdisciplinary practice inTyler’s state-of-the-art glass studio. Working closely with students and faculty, under the guidance of Jessica Jane Julius,Associate Professor and Program Head of Glass, she embraced a material entirely new to her, using the residency as anopportunity for experimentation and discovery.

“Being this complete novice and entering the studio, I was nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect. Learning not onlyfrom the faculty but the students at Tyler has been amazing,” said Tsouhlarakis. “I really appreciate the open arms Ireceived here and the generosity of the artistic spirit that permeates every part of this place.

“Anna demonstrated that artistic growth and experimentation remain vital at every stage of an artist’s career, offeringa powerful model for our students. Her residency fully embodied the spirit of the Edgar Heap of Birds Family ArtistResidency by catalyzing meaningful artistic evolution as a member of Tyler’s creative community,” said Susan E. Cahan,dean of Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

The annual residency was established through a gift from Edgar Heap of Birds (MFA ’79), a leading Native Americanartist, educator and activist and provides time and resources for artists to expand their studio practice while workingwith Tyler students.

ABOUT ANNA TSOUHLARAKIS

Anna Tsouhlarakis (b. 1977; Navajo Nation, Creek, Greek) works in sculpture, installation, video, and performance. Shereceived her BA from Dartmouth College with degrees in Native American Studies and Studio Art. She went on toreceive her MFA from Yale University in Sculpture. Her work has been presented at leading national and internationalvenues, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art,the Nasher Museum of Art, MCA Denver, the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, the Ford Foundation and, most recently, the 2026 Whitney Biennial. She is an Associate Professor of Art Practices and Director of the FoundationsArts Program at the University of Colorado Boulder and a mother of three.

ABOUT THE EDGAR HEAP OF BIRDS FAMILY ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The Edgar Heap of Birds Family Artist Residency and Exhibition Program is designed to support artists whose work isprimarily focused on the history and lived experience of North American federally recognized tribal citizens and whoseart and activism brings attention to the lives, struggles, and triumphs of Native Americans. The residency programbrings artists to Tyler who might not otherwise have access to the school’s studio facilities, faculty, and staff. Hock EAye Edgar Heap of Birds, (b. 1954; Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation, MFA ‘79) is an alum of the Tyler School of Art andArchitecture. The inaugural Edgar Heap of Birds Family Artist in Residence, in 2025, was Norman Akers.

ABOUT TEMPLE CONTEMPORARY

Temple Contemporary serves as a beacon for art, architecture and community imagination along the North Broadcultural corridor in Philadelphia. The 3,400-square-foot gallery, located within Tyler School of Art and Architectureat Temple University, champions experimental practices that center joy, justice and genius while fostering dialoguebetween academic and community knowledge. Temple Contemporary has an artistic lineage stretching back to the mid1980s, formerly located in the University’s Center City building, then in Philadelphia’s Old City gallery district beforeits establishment on Temple University’s Main Campus in North Philadelphia in 2009. More information is availableon Instagram at @temple_contemp and online.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Edgar Heap of Birds Family Endowment, theFleischner Family Charitable Foundation, and Sandy Cadwalader.