Eye Level

Eye Level is the blog of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Publishing behind-the-scenes museum stories since 2005.

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  On Harriet Whitney Frishmuth's The Vine

  Taking a closer look at an iconic work by the sculptor who was born on September 17, 1880.

From Coast to Coast

The West is on our minds, featured in our galleries, and is a part of an exciting new collaborative series.

From the Director

Plastic Fantastic: On Duane Hanson's Woman Eating

Taking a closer look at the making of Duane Hanson's iconic sculpture

Sculpture

Research and Scholarship

Road Trip: Aurora Borealis

Where will American Art Take You? Perhaps to Iceland to see the northern lights...

Dancing with the Spurs: On David Levinthal's Wild West Photographs

What does the "Cowboy Code" have to do with David Levinthal's photographs?

Exhibitions

Game Over: Images from SAAM Arcade 2019

Gamers gonna game: taking a closer look at SAAM Arcade 2019

Games

Take 5! Celebrating Musician Butch Warren

An interview with bassist Tyrone Allen who performs at Take 5! on August 15.

Programs

Art Does Have an Impact: Visitors Respond

Visitors share their memories, hopes, and fears after viewing Artists Respond: American Art and the Vietnam War, 1965-1975.

Exhibitions

Reframing American Art

A new web series explores American art by making unexpected connections across the Smithsonian

Education

Barbie Girl: Gabby Douglas and the Historical Eminence of the Iconic Doll

Gymnast Gabby Douglas on the deeper meaning of looking at (and being) a Barbie.

Exhibitions

SAAM Arcade 2019: Representation Matters

This year's Arcade explores games that highlight voices from the LGBTQ+, mental health, and people of color communities.

Games

On Paul Thek's Warrior's Leg

Taking a closer look at Paul Thek's work that investigates the physical body and the body politic.

Exhibitions

Research and Scholarship

Joseph Cornell: Reaching for the Moon

Artist Joseph Cornell created works that were inspired by his interest in the Space Age.

Unforgettable: Jazz Singer Integriti Reeves Sings Nat King Cole

Jazz singer Integriti Reeves on her art, inspiration, and her upcoming Take5! concert performing songs of Nat King Cole.

Programs

50 Things about OBJECTS: USA at 50

Public programs coordinator Gloria Kenyon revisits the influential Objects: USA exhibition on its 50th anniversary

Craft and Decorative Arts

SAAM Arcade 2019: Art, Video Games, and Empathy

SAAM Arcade, "Breaking Barriers," features diverse and inclusive video games by independent video game developers.

Programs

Games

Pitch Perfect: On David Levinthal, Roberto Clemente, and Baseball

Anne Showalter, digital interpretation specialist at SAAM, reflects on David Levinthal's photo of Roberto Clemente, from the artist's baseball series.

Exhibitions

Fourth of July Journey Through American Art

Whatever your plans for America's birthday, we have an artwork to fit. Pour yourself a lemonade, find a spot in the shade, and enjoy your holiday with a dash of American art.

SAAM Arcade: Breaking Barriers

An interview with Tanya DePass, the founder of We Need Diverse Games, who will deliver the keynote at this year's SAAM Arcade.

Games

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