Patricia Marroquin Norby: an Eye for Native American Art

Once a student of CLA, and now a curator of art for mainstream museums, Patricia Marroquin Norby (PhD ‘13, American studies) earns CLA’s 2023 Alumni of Notable Achievement Award! With her professional skills and fine eye for details, she uplifts the voice of Indigenous history and artists. 

What do you do professionally?

I am a Curator of Native American Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I am a scholar of twentieth-century Native American and American paintings. I have been working with museums for over twenty years as an artist, in museum leadership, and now as a curator.

How are you involved in the community?

I was encouraged to forge my own scholarly path in American Studies, American Indian Studies, and Art History. This interdisciplinary practice has sustained my curatorial and scholarly approach toward Native American art and my curatorial practice overall. 

I have maintained a connection with CLA through various projects. For instance, my colleague Professor Brenda Child and I have been working to start a fellowship for doctoral students who are earning their PhD while also raising a family. 

Most recently, I wrote a catalog essay for the exhibition Dreaming Our Futures: Ojibwe and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Artists and Knowledge Keepers on the art of Grand Portage Chippewa artist, George Morrison. The exhibition is currently on view at the new George Morrison Center for Indigenous Arts.

How did your time in CLA inspire you to pursue your path?

When I was earning my doctorate, there was no Native American art history program. I was encouraged to forge my own scholarly path combining American Studies, American Indian Studies, and Art History. This interdisciplinary approach encouraged diverse ways of thinking about art and its production. It has now sustained my scholarly work and my curatorial practice of Native American and American art overall. 

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student?

Making great friends and building relationships with academic colleagues. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing scholars who strongly encouraged my work, including: Patricia Albers, Jenn Marshall, Jane Blocker, and Brenda Child. 

What advice would you give to current CLA students?

Treasure and enjoy your time in CLA. Life moves pretty quickly afterwards. Go for that cup of coffee, invite a classmate to lunch, attend your colleague’s presentation. The connections you make now may be some of the most meaningful of your life and career. 

How do you spend your free time? What "fills your cup"?

Currently, I work in New York City at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I love the energy of the city. We also maintain our home on a farm in rural Wisconsin. The Midwest rejuvenates my spirit. I love the land, the trees, the water. I enjoy country walks with my husband Nathan, our daughter Madeline, and Flora, our Golden Retriever. A good book and a good night's sleep are also my favorites.

What was your reaction to receiving this award?

Simultaneous surprise and deeply honored.

What's next? What are your personal/professional goals for the next five years?

At The Met, I have several exciting upcoming exhibitions planned over the next few years. On my farm, maybe starting a Monarch Butterfly sanctuary and finishing my book for publication.

This story was edited by an undergraduate student. 

Edited by Jennifer Nguyen