The Palmer Museum of Art has collected the work of living artists since its founding a half century ago. Many of the artists represented came of age in the wake of the feminist and civil rights movements and explore issues related to gender, sexuality, race, and identity. The voices of women artists and artists of color are amply evident and remain a priority as the collection continues to grow. Among the artists represented are Kara Walker, Lorna Simpson, Tsibi Geva, Julie Heffernan, Willie Cole, Whitfield Lovell, Ross Bleckner, Jerry Kearns, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Hung Liu, Renee Stout, Kate Javens, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, Enrique Chagoya, Roger Shimomura, and Roberto Lugo.

The Palmer is also dedicated to collecting contemporary photography and has works by Steve McCurry (’74), Gilbert and George, Cindy Sherman, Carrie Mae Weems, Catherine Opie, Eleanor Antin, Gregory Crewdson, Ana Mendieta, William Wegman, Joel-Peter Witkin, Vik Muniz, Bill Jacobsen, and Yinka Shonibare, among others.