Eye Level
Eye Level is the blog of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Publishing behind-the-scenes museum stories since 2005.
The Renwick's (David) Best Temple
David Best creates temples for Burning Man that are made of recycled wood that are ritually burned at the end of the annual festival. In this video Best discusses the Temple he created for the Renwick Gallery’s Bettie Rubenstein Grand Salon, as a sacred space for people to reflect on loss.
A Suitcase Home: Sarah Newman on Do Ho Suh
Anne Showalter, Digital Interpretation Specialist at SAAM, sat down with Sarah Newman, the James Dicke Curator of Contemporary Art at SAAM, to talk about the recently opened exhibition Do Ho Suh: Almost Home.
Diane Arbus: a box of ten photographs Opens April 6
In 1972, Diane Arbus became the first photographer to have her work exhibited at the Venice Biennale. These pivotal works will be featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s exhibition, Diane Arbus: a box of ten photographs, opening at SAAM on Friday, April 6, and remaining on view through January 21, 2019
Discover the Art of Burning Man at the Renwick
"No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man" brings the large-scale, participatory work from this desert gathering to the nation’s capital for the first time.
Sneak Peek: Burning Man's Temple at the Renwick
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, opens on Friday, March 30, and features large-scale installations--the artistic hallmark of Burning Man--at the core of the exhibition. These include a temple designed for the Renwick's Grand Salon by David Best.
Luce Unplugged: Five Questions for Antonia
The Luce Foundation Center's interview with experimental pop artist, Adriana-Lucia Cotes, as Antonia. She performs as part of the Luce Unplugged series on March 23, 2018.
Who Wore it Better? Burning Man Dresses up the Renwick
In addition to the large-scale artworks currently being installed at No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, opening at the Renwick Gallery of Art on March 30, the exhibition features hand-made jewelry and clothing such as Iranian-born designer, Gelareh Alam's "warrior chic."
Luce Unplugged: Five Questions for Governess
The Luce Foundation Center interviews the band Governess in advance of their performance on March 23, 2018.
Sneak Peek: Burning Man Unfolds at the Renwick
What's going on behind-the-scenes at the Renwick Gallery? While the Renwick is closed, it's far from dark: artists are installing the large-scale works that will be a part of No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, opening on March 30.
From the Director: Be Astonished
In her poem, "Sometimes," Mary Oliver writes, "Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be Astonished. Tell About it."
Movies at SAAM: Five Questions for Pamela Tanner Boll
Perhaps a Pose with a Panda?
Even if you're not familiar with her name, you’ve probably seen muralist Kelsey Montague's art. Kelsey’s interactive street murals can be found throughout the country and around the globe, as well as on the Instagram accounts of multiple celebrities.
The Renwick’s New Touch Cart is a Work of Art
Being invited to touch objects in a museum is a rare and thrilling experience. Renwick visitors will now have the opportunity to explore tactile connections thanks to a new mobile touch cart.
Submit your work for SAAM Arcade 2018: Game on!
It’s that time again! The Smithsonian American Art Museum is inviting all independent video game developers to submit their work to the museum's fourth annual SAAM Arcade.
Two Artists, One Vision: Kara Walker and Spike Lee
Kara Walker’s series Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated), currently on view at SAAM through March 11, and Spike Lee’s 2000 film Bamboozled, are two great examples of how art has the power to tackle sensitive and important matters. Although these works are very different, they discuss the same things: history, race, gender, and stereotypes.
Wendell Castle: Timeless
Master woodworker, furniture maker, and artist Wendell Castle died on January 20, at the age of 85. During his long and illustrious career, he helped define and redefine craft furniture in America.