Eye Level

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

Teaching a More Complete Picture of MLK

While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, there’s more to his life and legacy than that single story. Smithsonian educators share approaches to expand classroom lessons and student understanding of this great civil rights leader.

Education

Phoebe , Candra Flanagan and Eden Cho on January 14, 2022

Drawn to Edmonia Lewis

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

Women Artists

Howard on January 13, 2022

Chicanx Graphic Arts in Focus: The Bounty of the Calendario de Comida

Exploring tradition, place, and social justice through food

Chicano Graphics

Exhibitions

From the Collection

Rebekah on January 6, 2022

Ringing in the New Year with Venetian Glass Goblets: “Auld Lang Syne” Edition

Take a closer look at four fabulous glasses to inspire a virtual celebratory toast to 2022

Exhibitions

From the Collection

Katie on January 5, 2022

Growing a Mindful Collection in 2021

Ten artworks we are excited to add to SAAM’s collection

From the Collection

New Acquisitions

SAAM on December 31, 2021

Capturing Humboldt in the 21st century using an 18th-century tool

Discover how one local teacher is inspired by the world of Alexander von Humboldt

Exhibitions

Carol on December 28, 2021

Discover Mind-Blowing Glass Art Through Selfies and Pics at the Renwick Gallery

Stop scrolling and discover the sparkling, flashing sights of New Glass Now

Exhibitions

Photography Encouraged

Ashley on December 23, 2021

Thinking Outside the Box: Joseph Cornell for the Holidays

Joseph Cornell, who was born in 1903 on Christmas Eve, often created handmade objects to give as gifts during the holidays.

Behind-the-Scenes

Laura on December 21, 2021

Taking a Closer Look at James Hampton’s The Throne of the Third Heaven

Our video series American Art Moments takes a closer look at a powerful yet enigmatic installation in SAAM’s collection by a self-taught artist

From the Collection

Howard on December 16, 2021

Podcast Release: Music and Conversation with Drew Dave

Producer Drew Dave discusses his approach to making beats and how working with one of his heroes changed his self-image.

Luce Foundation Center

Five Question Interviews

Anne on December 14, 2021

The Mystery Around a Byzantine-style Necklace

Uncovering the secrets of one of SAAM’s treasures

Exhibitions

From the Collection

Conservation

Ariel and Sarah Montonchaikul on December 8, 2021

Body and Blood in Ana Mendieta’s Filmwork

Learn about the legacy of groundbreaking artist Ana Mendieta and how she examined urgent political, personal, and artistic questions through her artwork

Programs

Women Artists

New Acquisitions

Saisha on November 30, 2021

Black Friday Art Browsing

Not to be shady, but sometimes the cure for Black Friday stress is art

From the Collection

Amy and Howard on November 26, 2021

Sonya Clark’s “Monumental” Achievements

Examining historical imbalances and the roots of racial injustice through fiber art

Contemporary Craft

Women Artists

New Acquisitions

Nora on November 18, 2021

Bringing Chicanx Stories Into the Classroom Through Art

Museum educators share Chicanx posters with teachers around the world

Chicano Graphics

Education

Anne on November 15, 2021

Kay WalkingStick and the Indigenous Presence in American Landscape Painting

A look at three paintings that represent three different decades of the artist’s vibrant career

From the Collection

Women Artists

New Acquisitions

Melissa on November 10, 2021

Decorative Arts in Focus: Miniature Diorama of John Gellatly Collection

How John Gellatly’s eclectic collection of fine and decorative arts took over his New York home and six rooms in the Heckscher Building

Exhibitions

From the Collection

Katie on November 4, 2021

Native American Arts in Focus: Sustaining Traditions—Digital Memories

Discover how artist Kelly Church is ensuring that centuries of Indigenous traditions are preserved for future generations with her beautifully woven basketry.

Contemporary Craft

Exhibitions

From the Collection

Women Artists

New Acquisitions

Craft and Decorative Arts

Ashley on November 2, 2021