SAAM Stories

Media - 2018.3.71 - SAAM-2018.3.71_1 - 133830
Exhibitions 10/09/2019
David Levinthal's Modern Romance Photographs
David Levinthal's photographs shine a light on the darkness of film noir.
Shanti Boyle
An image from Love is the Message, the Message is Death
New Acquisitions 10/07/2019
How Arthur Jafa Created a Contemporary Guernica
SAAM's curator of time-based media examines the importance of a powerful work that speaks to our times...and times past.
This is a photograph of curator Saisha Grayson
Saisha Grayson
Curator of Time-Based Media
The Chapel of Chimes at Burning Man at night
Exhibitions 09/30/2019
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.
Elana Hain
Jazz bassist Amy Shook
Programs 09/19/2019
Take 5! Shook and Russo
It's all about the bass: Musician Amy Shook on influences, her quartet, and women in jazz.
Bertrand Überall
Media - 2014.60 - SAAM-2014.60_1 - 116651
Sculpture 09/17/2019
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.
Clarisse Fava-Piz
A photograph of a woman standing in blue in an art gallery with a large painting behind her.
From the Director 09/09/2019
From Coast to Coast
The West is on our minds, featured in our galleries, and is a part of an exciting new collaborative series.
 Stephanie Stebich, Former Margaret and Terry Stent Direction in the museum's Lincoln Gallery. Photo by Gene Young. 
Stephanie Stebich
Former Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Media - 2005.22A-Z - SAAM-2005.22A-Z_10 - 123264
Sculpture Research and Scholarship 08/30/2019
Plastic Fantastic: On Duane Hanson's Woman Eating
Taking a closer look at the making of Duane Hanson's iconic sculpture
Danielle O'Steen
A photograph of a mountain with green northern lights overhead.
08/23/2019
Road Trip: Aurora Borealis
Where will American Art Take You? Perhaps to Iceland to see the northern lights...
Libby Weiler
IT Specialist - External Affairs and Digital Strategies
Media - 2018.3.190 - SAAM-2018.3.190_1 - 134538
Exhibitions 08/21/2019
Dancing with the Spurs: On David Levinthal's Wild West Photographs
What does the "Cowboy Code" have to do with David Levinthal's photographs?
Shanti Boyle
A photograph of a man playing a video game with his son.
SAAM Arcade 08/15/2019
Game Over: Images from SAAM Arcade 2019
Gamers gonna game: taking a closer look at SAAM Arcade 2019
Libby Weiler
IT Specialist - External Affairs and Digital Strategies
Musician Tyrone Allen standing with his bass.
Programs 08/13/2019
Take 5! Celebrating Musician Butch Warren
An interview with bassist Tyrone Allen who performs at Take 5! on August 15.
Bertrand Überall
A photograph of a wall with a sign that says "This exhibition makes me feel..."
Exhibitions 08/08/2019
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.
Melissa Hendrickson
A photograph of a woman standing in front of a sculpture of a bison
Education 08/05/2019
Reframing American Art
A new web series explores American art by making unexpected connections across the Smithsonian
A photograph of a woman sitting down on a bench in a gallery with a red sweater on and a black artwork behind her.
Joanna Marsh
Deputy Education Chair, Head of Interpretation and Audience Research
David Levinthals's photograph of 3 Barbies in bathing suits
Exhibitions 08/02/2019
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.
Shanti Boyle
A photograph of six people playing arcade games.
SAAM Arcade 07/30/2019
SAAM Arcade 2019: Representation Matters
This year's Arcade explores games that highlight voices from the LGBTQ+, mental health, and people of color communities.
A photograph of a woman with a green blazer and brown hair.
Kayleigh Bryant-Greenwell
Community Engagement Specialist
An image of a leg with a covering over it.
Exhibitions Research and Scholarship 07/25/2019
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.
Paisid Aramphongphan
Media - 1991.90 - SAAM-1991.90_1 - 55024
07/18/2019
Joseph Cornell: Reaching for the Moon
Artist Joseph Cornell created works that were inspired by his interest in the Space Age.
Laura Augustin
Curatorial Assistant
Photo of jazz singer Integriti Reeves who will take part in Take 5! at SAAM
Programs 07/18/2019
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.
Bertrand Überall