An enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Turtle Clan, from the Western New York region; Penelope Minner resides on the Allegany Territory located in Salamanca, NY. She is a traditional Native artist, black ash Basketmaker, corn husk doll maker, bead worker, and was educated as a graphic designer.

Many of her artworks are featured in various museums across New York state, including the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, Iroquois Indian Museum, the Fenimore Museum, the New York State Museum, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.