SAAM Stories

A close up detail of a drawn bat
From the Collection
10/28/2022
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.
A photograph of Sara Snyder
Sara Snyder
Head of External Affairs & Digital Strategies
A painting of a skull.
Chicano Graphics From the Collection
10/27/2022
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.
Headshot of woman with black hair
Rebekah Mejorado
Public Relations Specialist
Marian Anderson and symbols that surround her life
Exhibitions One Smithsonian
10/19/2022
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
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
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.
 Stephanie Stebich, SAAM's Margaret and Terry Stent Direction in the museum's Lincoln Gallery. Photo by Gene Young. 
Stephanie Stebich
The Margaret and Terry Stent Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery
Conservator wearing a head lamp, shines light on a mural.
From the Collection Women Artists
10/14/2022
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.
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
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.
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
Detail of a mural showing an indigenous woman at the forefront of a scene of farmworkers
From the Collection One Smithsonian
10/04/2022
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
Wendy Rose
A photograph of Claudia Zapata
Claudia Zapata
Curatorial Assistant of Latinx Art
A man seated in his living room, petting his dog.
Exhibitions
09/30/2022
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.
Kelly Skeen
Detail of comic cover depicting an illustration of the artist with protest signs behind her.
Chicano Graphics Women Artists
09/27/2022
Drawn to Ester Hernandez
Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
An illustration of 10 women artists
Women Artists
09/22/2022
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.
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
An illustration of two hands holding a miniature portrait of a woman in an oval frame.
Women Artists
09/21/2022
Drawn to Sarah Goodridge
Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
A woman with brown skin and short hair stands holding an African-inspired mask close to her face, covering one eye. In the background are bright, geometric shapes in red, blue, and yellow.
Women Artists
09/21/2022
Drawn to Loïs Mailou Jones
Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
An illustrated portrait of a woman standing in front of a painting. She has medium brown hair, is wearing a brown jacket, and holding paintbrushes.
Women Artists
09/21/2022
Drawn to Kay WalkingStick
Celebrating the renowned artist with a comic about her life and work.
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
Detail of quilt that says "i / i am / i am still / i am not still / i am still not free"
Contemporary Craft Exhibitions
09/16/2022
Contemporary Craft in Focus: still not
Artist Chawne Kimber stitches her experiences and activism in vibrant, improvisational-style quilts
SAAM
A detailed crop of a highly textured ceramic vessel. The center shows a painting of the rapper Notorious B.I.G. The side handles are busts of Notorious B.I.G. on one and Tupac Shakur on the other.
Contemporary Craft Exhibitions
09/08/2022
Contemporary Craft in Focus: Roberto Lugo
Remixing classical ceramics and underrepresented figures with a hip-hop style
SAAM
A detail of a ceramic sculpture with glaze which appears to have melted
Contemporary Craft Exhibitions
08/25/2022
Contemporary Craft in Focus: Glazescape (Green Shade)
The decadent inspiration behind Lauren Mabry's ceramics
SAAM
Detail of Renwick 50th Anniversary poster with the banner "This Present Moment"
Contemporary Craft Exhibitions
08/16/2022
The Art and Craft of Printmaking
The Little Friends of Printmaking have created posters for the Renwick Gallery including for the current exhibition, This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World
Amy Hutchins
SAAM Marketing Manager