Marvin Oliver, renowned artist, advocate, UW graduate, associate curator for the Burke Museum, and professor emeritus of American Indian Studies, passed away on July 17, 2019 surrounded by family.
His work spanned many mediums and is on display throughout the Pacific Northwest, across the United States, and around the world. Though rooted in his Quinault and Isleta-Pueblo heritage, Marvin’s work combined many styles to create Northwest Coast-style works of art that run the gamut from prints to totem poles to blown glass sculptures to cast bronze.
Marvin founded the annual “Raven’s Feast” at UW, a community dinner that celebrated American Indian and Alaska Native graduates each year, and where he gifted each graduate with a signed print to commemorate their accomplishments. In 2019, his leadership in the community was recognized by one of UW’s highest honors, the Charles E. Odegaard Award, given to individuals who exemplify former UW President Odegaard’s work on behalf of diversity.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Brigette Ellis; his sister, Marylin Bard; two sons, Brian and Owen; a daughter, Lisa; and twins Isadora and Sampson. He lives on in the many people and places he touched with his art and wisdom.
As a tribute to his life and legacy, we invite you to consider making a gift to a cause that was important to Marvin: support of undergraduate students in the Department of American Indian Studies. Your gift to the Marvin Oliver Memorial Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Students in American Indian Studies will enable the department to provide broad-based direct financial support to undergraduate students.