'Awakening the Spirit: The Legacy of Gloria Tara Lowery' is on display at the Museum of the Southeast American Indian on the campus of UNC Pembroke.

The solo exhibit will be on display through February 2022. It celebrates the life and legacy of Lowery, a gifted artist and art educator who impacted countless lives across the region. She was a two-time graduate and strong supporter of UNCP and left an indelible mark as the creator of the UNCP Athletics logo (American Indian bust and red-tailed hawk) and was instrumental in the design of the ceremonial mace. The logo has been part of the university's branding for three decades and continues today.

This exhibit celebrates her life's work. Her paintings memorialized several historical events, including the "Lowry Gang" and the "Battle of Hayes Pond." 

Drawing inspiration from nature and her Lumbee culture, her work encourages her audience, listen and explore the beauty of things seen and unseen. Using watercolors, acrylics, pine needles, and other mixed media, the exhibit shows her love of landscapes, her county and her connection with her ancestors. Lowery once said, "Art is not what I do; it's who I am." We are so thankful that she left so much beauty for us to explore."

This exhibition was made possible through the support of the Lowery family and Dr. Terrence Brayboy.