SAAM Stories

Artist Joseph Cornell standing at worktable with materials for his artworks around him
12/15/2022
A closer look at Joseph Cornell's work and his continuing influence, even 50 years after his death
Laura Augustin
Curatorial Assistant
Detail of quilted portrait showing three African American soldiers
SAAM’s video series, American Art Moments, takes a closer look at the monumental quilt The Harlem Hellfighters by Bisa Butler
A explosion of yellows and reds in a scene from WWI
Education 11/30/2022
Taking a closer look at Claggett Wilson’s watercolor paintings that depict his experiences as a combat marine in World War I 
Kelly Skeen
Ceramic bowl with ceramic spoons hanging all around its perimeter.
Artist gwendolyn yoppolo focuses on creating meaningful relationships through a shared dining experience
SAAM
A tight crop of an illustration showing a girl with her hands on the face of a horse. She is smiling.
Women Artists 11/17/2022
Jaune Quick-To-See Smith (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation) was born on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana in 1940. Throughout her long and distinguished career she has used her art to powerfully express her support for Native American communities
A view of the tree-lined Kogod courtyard
For centuries humans have been bringing the outside in, brightening up interior spaces by incorporating plants into homes and offices. Twice a year, horticulturists at the Smithsonian mimic rain and wind to help keep the trees in the Kogod Courtyard happy and thriving.
Virginia Thaxton
Two conservators, both wearing masks, re-dress the Gladys doll.
SAAM’s conservators find the delicate balance between original work and restoration through two dolls
Leah Bright
Detail of a mixed media artwork using a flag and military blanket
Marie Watt honors veterans and Indigenous communities through simple objects that hold powerful stories
SAAM
A close up detail of a drawn bat
From the Collection 10/28/2022
A look into the hilarious vampire mockumentary series that now appears to be haunting the museum halls.
A photograph of Sara Snyder
Sara Snyder
Former Head of External Affairs & Digital Strategies
A painting of a skull.
Chicano artists and activists blended cultural and visual traditions to create modern Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S.
Headshot of woman with black hair
Rebekah Mejorado
Public Relations Specialist
Marian Anderson and symbols that surround her life
SAAM educator Phoebe Hillemann reflects on creating resources to spark curiosity for learners of all ages who view William H. Johnson’s Fighters for Freedom series
A photograph of Phoebe Hillemann
Phoebe Hillemann
Teacher Institutes Educator
A woman stands in front of a black sculpture
From the Director 10/19/2022
Stephanie Stebich, SAAM's director, takes a look at exhibitions and programs and welcomes a new head curator to the museum.
 Stephanie Stebich, Former Margaret and Terry Stent Direction in the museum's Lincoln Gallery. Photo by Gene Young. 
Stephanie Stebich
Former Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Conservator wearing a head lamp, shines light on a mural.
A behind-the-scenes look at how 3D imaging helps a mural conservator preserve Judy Baca's Uprising of the Mujeres.
Wendy Rose
An illustration of a woman drawing at a table and a group of men behind her, looking on.
Women Artists 10/13/2022
Judith Baca is a Chicana artist, professor, arts administrator, community leader, and social and cultural activist, whose murals and paintings give voice to underrepresented communities.
Detail of a mural showing an indigenous woman at the  forefront of a scene of farmworkers
SAAM talks with the artist about her inspirations and the process of creating a portable mural
Wendy Rose
A photograph of Claudia Zapata
Claudia Zapata
Former Curatorial Assistant of Latinx Art
A man seated in his living room, petting his dog.
Exhibitions 09/30/2022
Collector Douglas O. Robson offers insights into his mother’s collecting habits, her dedication to self-taught artists, and his own collecting journey.
Kelly Skeen
Detail of comic cover depicting an illustration of the artist with protest signs behind her.
Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work
An illustration of 10 women artists
Women Artists 09/22/2022
The comic series Drawn to Art, published online by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, features tales of inspiring women artists.