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Patriotism Unleashed

Today is "What Do You Love about America?" Day!

Use our search page to find your favorite patriotic artwork in the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection! Write us at 1001days @si.edu and tell us which work you chose and what you love about the United States of America!

We think this folk art piece is worthy of your consideration. From her oilcan base to her reflector beacon, New York Lady is Leslie Payne's ingenious interpretation of the Statue of Liberty. Visiting this historic symbol of freedom was the highlight of this Virginia fisherman's only trip to New York. Although he called his sculptures "imitations," Payne's improvisational flair shines through Liberty's jaunty pose and costume.

Source: Lynda Hartigan. Contemporary Folk Art: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum (exhibition text, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 1999).

Pictured: Leslie J. Payne, 1907–1981, New York Lady (Statue of Liberty), about 1970, painted tin, copper, and wood with costume jewelry and reflector, 26 5/8 x 16 1/4 x 7 3/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment.