We Look to Art
SAAM's director, Stephanie Stebich, looks to art as a way to elevate stories of our shared humanity
Eye Level
Eye Level is the blog of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Publishing behind-the-scenes museum stories since 2005.
Behind the Screens: Chiura Obata
Chiura Obata: American Modern contains some of the artist's rarely seen folded screens.
Take Five! Duke Pearson and Blue Note Records
A closer look at Duke Pearson’s role in creating the "Blue Note sound."
Meet the Director: Street Heroines' Alexandra Henry
Learn more about the documentary that celebrates the vision and tenacity of women street artists.
Representation Matters: Bringing Women’s Stories Into the Classroom Through American Art and Portraiture
A collaboration between SAAM and NPG illuminates the lives and works of women artists in our collections.
Black and Latinx Art Activism in Los Angeles, 1968-1984
A closer look at Black and Latinx art spaces and activism in L.A.
Consider This Maverick of the Aesthetic Movement
Smithsonian Provost John Davis takes a closer look at the painter Maria Oakey Dewing, who described herself as a "garden-thirsty soul."
The Puck Stops Here: David Levinthal's Hockey Photographs
Giving America's favorite pastime a run for its money
The Aftermath of Hurricane María
A closer look at the rich and trans-historical Puerto Rican artworks in the museum.
David Levinthal's Modern Romance Photographs
David Levinthal's Modern Romance Photographs
David Levinthal's photographs shine a light on the darkness of film noir.
How Arthur Jafa Created a Contemporary Guernica
How Arthur Jafa Created a Contemporary Guernica
The curator of time-based media examines the importance of a powerful work that speaks to our times...and times past.
Burning Man: Through the Fire
Nearly one ton of hand-written tablets collected at the Renwick Gallery were burned at Burning Man earlier in the month.
Take 5! Shook and Russo
It's all about the bass: Musician Amy Shook on influences, her quartet, and women in jazz.
On Harriet Whitney Frishmuth's The Vine
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.
Plastic Fantastic: On Duane Hanson's Woman Eating
Plastic Fantastic: On Duane Hanson's Woman Eating
Taking a closer look at the making of Duane Hanson's iconic sculpture
Road Trip: Aurora Borealis
Where will American Art Take You? Perhaps to Iceland to see the northern lights...