SAAM Stories

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

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  Threads of History: Bisa Butler’s monumental quilt The Harlem Hellfighters

  SAAM’s video series, American Art Moments, takes a closer look at the monumental quilt The Harlem Hellfighters by Bisa Butler

  Howard on December 5, 2022

An Artist’s View of WWI and How to Preserve His Portraits of War

Taking a closer look at Claggett Wilson’s watercolor paintings that depict his experiences as a combat marine in World War I 

Education

Kelly Skeen on November 30, 2022

Contemporary Craft in Focus: scoopbowl service

Artist gwendolyn yoppolo focuses on creating meaningful relationships through a shared dining experience

Contemporary Craft

Exhibitions

From the Collection

Women Artists

SAAM on November 22, 2022

Drawn to Jaune Quick-To-See Smith

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

Women Artists

Howard on November 17, 2022

Shake It Off: Trees Gonna Sway, Sway, Sway

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.

One Smithsonian

Behind-the-Scenes

Virginia Thaxton on November 16, 2022

Possum Trot Dolls Get a Wardrobe Refresh

SAAM’s conservators find the delicate balance between original work and restoration through two dolls

Exhibitions

Conservation

Leah Bright on November 10, 2022

Native American Arts in Focus: Edson’s Flag

Marie Watt honors veterans and Indigenous communities through simple objects that hold powerful stories

Contemporary Craft

From the Collection

One Smithsonian

Women Artists

SAAM on November 1, 2022

What We Do In the Art Museum Shadows

A look into the hilarious vampire mockumentary series that now appears to be haunting the museum halls.

From the Collection

Sara on October 28, 2022

Traditions and Change: The Transformation of Día de los Muertos in the United States

Chicano artists and activists blended cultural and visual traditions to create modern Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S.

Chicano Graphics

From the Collection

Rebekah on October 27, 2022

Discovering William H. Johnson’s Hidden Stories

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

Exhibitions

One Smithsonian

Behind-the-Scenes

Education

Phoebe on October 19, 2022

Director's Letter: A Season of Artful Changes

Stephanie Stebich, SAAM's director, takes a look at exhibitions and programs and welcomes a new head curator to the museum.

From the Director

Stephanie on October 19, 2022

Using 3D Imaging To Preserve Chicana Artist Judy Baca’s Mural Uprising of the Mujeres

A behind-the-scenes look at how 3D imaging helps a mural conservator preserve Judy Baca's Uprising of the Mujeres.

From the Collection

Women Artists

Conservation

Technology

Wendy Rose on October 14, 2022

Drawn to Judy Baca

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.

Women Artists

Howard on October 13, 2022

Judy Baca On Her Mural Uprising of the Mujeres

SAAM talks with the artist about her inspirations and the process of creating a portable mural

From the Collection

One Smithsonian

Women Artists

Behind-the-Scenes

Conservation

Wendy Rose and Claudia on October 4, 2022

A Family Affair: Collecting American Self-Taught Art

Collector Douglas O. Robson offers insights into his mother’s collecting habits, her dedication to self-taught artists, and his own collecting journey.

Exhibitions

Kelly Skeen on September 30, 2022

Drawn to Ester Hernandez

Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work

Chicano Graphics

Women Artists

Howard on September 27, 2022

Comic Series Presents Ten (More) Stories About Visionaries and Rule Breakers

The comic series Drawn to Art, published online by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, features tales of inspiring women artists.

Women Artists

Howard on September 22, 2022

Drawn to Tiffany Chung

Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work

Women Artists

Howard on September 21, 2022

Drawn to Sarah Goodridge

Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work

Women Artists

Howard on September 21, 2022