Lillian Pitt & Toma Villa
Culture Conservationists

Lillian is a Pacific Northwest Native American artist whose ancestors lived in and near the Columbia River Gorge for over 10,000 years. Called simply the Big River or the Nch'i-Wana by her ancestors, the Columbia River was the backbone of one of the largest trade networks in all of Native America. Lillian's focus is on creating contemporary works of fine art that delight today’s art lovers, and at the same time, honor the history and legends of her people. Primarily a sculptor and mixed media artist, Lillian’s lifetime of works include artistic expressions in clay, bronze, wearable art, prints, and most recently, glass. Her works have been exhibited and reviewed throughout the Pacific Northwest, nationally and internationally, and she is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions.

Toma, of the Yakama Nation, is a young artist who does murals throughout the Pacific Northwest, casts iron all over the world and is currently working with Lillian in the schools in the Columbia River Gorge as a teacher in art, the history of the Celilo Falls, salmon fishing and the Tribal culture.

Read more about Lillian and Toma on our blog.