SAAM Stories

From the Director
01/26/2023
Director Stephanie Stebich looks forward to the year ahead

Stephanie Stebich
Former Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum

Contemporary Craft
01/17/2023
A tribute to the Renwick Gallery's Founding Director, Lloyd Herman, a man whose name was synonymous with studio craft

Mary Savig
Lloyd Herman Curator of Craft

Andrew Clemens invented, then perfected, the art of the sand bottle in the late nineteenth century.

Leslie Umberger
Curator (Folk and Self-Taught Art)

Jill Vaum Rothschild
Luce Curatorial Fellow

Women Artists
12/27/2022
In addition to her own success, Harlem Renaissance sculptor Augusta Savage dedicated her career to creating opportunities for Black artists.

Howard Kaplan
Writer

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

A look at the extraordinary career of master metalsmith and painter Daniel Brush

Nora Atkinson
The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge, Renwick Gallery

12/15/2022
A closer look at Joseph Cornell's work and his continuing influence, even 50 years after his death
Laura Augustin
Curatorial Assistant

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

Howard Kaplan
Writer

Education
11/30/2022
Taking a closer look at Claggett Wilson’s watercolor paintings that depict his experiences as a combat marine in World War I
Kelly Skeen

Women Artists
11/17/2022
Jaune Quick-To-See Smith (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation) used her long and distinguished career to powerfully express her support for Native American communities

Howard Kaplan
Writer

From the Collection
10/28/2022
A look into the hilarious vampire mockumentary series that now appears to be haunting the museum halls.

Sara Snyder
Former Head of External Affairs & Digital Strategies