Event Venues and Space Rental

Lynda Roscoe Hartigan Named Director of SAAM

The Smithsonian announced the appointment of Lynda Roscoe Hartigan as the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, effective September 8, 2026.

Rocking Pot

Peter Voulkos, Rocking Pot, 1956, stoneware with colemanite wash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various donors and museum purchase, 1983.79

Peter Voulkos, Rocking Pot, 1956, stoneware with colemanite wash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various donors and museum purchase, 1983.79

Peter Voulkos, Rocking Pot, 1956, stoneware with colemanite wash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various donors and museum purchase, 1983.79

Peter Voulkos, Rocking Pot, 1956, stoneware with colemanite wash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various donors and museum purchase, 1983.79

Copied Peter Voulkos, Rocking Pot, 1956, stoneware with colemanite wash, 13 ⁵⁄₈ x 21 x 17 ¹⁄₂ in. (34.6 x 53.3 x 44.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various donors and museum purchase, 1983.79

Artwork Details

Title: Rocking Pot
Artist: Peter Voulkos
Date: 1956
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 13 ⁵⁄₈ x 21 x 17 ¹⁄₂ in. (34.6 x 53.3 x 44.6 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various donors and museum purchase
Mediums: stoneware
Mediums Description: stoneware with colemanite wash
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Highlights: Contemporary Craft and Decorative Arts
Object Number: 1983.79

Exhibitions

Voulkos: The Breakthrough Years

April 7, 2017–August 20, 2017

Renwick Gallery

Originally trained as a functional potter, Voulkos defied mid-century craft dictums of proper technique and form.