SAAM Stories

Two dancers perform in SAAM's Kogod Courtyard
01/19/2024
In Focus: Performed Places
Uncovering the memory and meaning of historic sites
SAAM
Abstract sculpture
From the Collection 12/21/2023
Remembering Influential Sculptor Richard Hunt
Head curator Randy Griffey remembers artist Richard Hunt, who died December 16, 2023
Photograph of Randall Griffey
Randall Griffey
Head Curator
Detail of an illustration of the artist Miriam Schapiro. She is surrounded by flowers.
From the Collection Women Artists 12/14/2023
Drawn to Miriam Schapiro
Celebrating the art and life of artist Miriam Schapiro
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
Landscape of U.S. capital with marsh land in front of it.
From the Collection 12/04/2023
Beyond the Brush: The Art of Environmental Conservation
A look at landscapes in SAAM's collection and the wildlife that lives beyond the paintings
Brynn Garner
Detail of an artwork with quotes from the Book of Revelations.
From the Collection One Smithsonian 12/02/2023
Howard Finster: Art Meets Music
Take a look into the visual art and musical legacy of Howard Finster
SAAM
A wide angle shot of six prints on the wall, divided by a hanging glass cylindrical artwork
Contemporary Craft 11/20/2023
Dive Into The World of Sustainability with Joe Feddersen
Drawing inspiration from traditional methods of collecting natural resources, artist Joe Feddersen serves as a voice for the Plateau peoples
SAAM
Illustration of the artist Wendy Red Star
Women Artists 11/15/2023
Drawn to Wendy Red Star
Celebrating the renowned artist whose work questions misconceptions around Native identity
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
A woven robe with fringe and patterns of brown, blue and white with a yellow border.
Contemporary Craft Exhibitions 11/09/2023
Contemporary Native American Art in Focus: Between Worlds (Child's Robe)
An in-depth look at the ceremonial robe Between Worlds (Child's Robe) by Lily Hope (Tlingit)
SAAM
Side by side artworks displaying symbols in a musical arrangement.
Exhibitions 11/03/2023
Contemporary Native American Art in Focus: For Zitkála-Šá
Award winning composer Raven Chacon combines Diné (Navajo) worldviews with Western classical and avant-garde music traditions
SAAM
A group of students taking a selfie in front of a projected screen.
Education 10/31/2023
Creating Uniquely American Stories
Students at DC public schools create stories based on artworks in SAAM's collection
Carol Wilson
Illustration of a woman surrounded by flowers.
Women Artists 10/12/2023
Drawn to Consuelo Jimenez Underwood
Celebrating the renowned textile artist with a comic about her life and work
A photograph of Howard Kaplan on a plane.
Howard Kaplan
Writer
Bicycle sculpture with a neon artwork above it that reads "Pa-lan-te."
Exhibitions From the Collection 10/06/2023
In Focus: Pa-lan-te and Double Phantom/EntroP.R.
Exploring history, politics, and culture with Puerto Rican artist Miguel Luciano
SAAM
View of SAAM gallery.
Exhibitions Women Artists 09/28/2023
What a Wonderful World: Seeing Beauty Through the Eyes of Alma Thomas
Go inside the galleries of Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas
A photograph of a woman.
Katie Hondorf
Public Affairs Specialist
View of SAAM gallery.
Exhibitions 09/22/2023
New Perspectives: Welcome to American Voices and Visions
Your favorite pieces from SAAM’s collection are now on display alongside new works in the redesigned modern and contemporary galleries
SAAM
A photograph of a woman in front of artwork
Exhibitions From the Director 09/22/2023
Director’s Letter: Reopened and Reimagined
SAAM's renovated and reimagined modern and contemporary galleries transform the museum’s third floor into spaces for wonder and reflection
 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
A photograph of a person standing in front of an artwork. She is wearing earbuds and holding her phone up to the work.
Exhibitions Technology 09/20/2023
Experience the Museum Your Way With New Audio Tours
SAAM teamed up with the digital firm Smartify to create a series of audio tours that deepen the visitor experience, both in our galleries and online.
SAAM
Photograph of two conservators working on a canvas.
Exhibitions From the Collection 09/19/2023
Technology Catches Up: A Conservation Story About Morris Louis’s Painting Beta Upsilon
The development of a new laser technology allowed for the successful conservation treatment and return of this important color field painting to public view
Photo Anna Nielsen
Anna Nielsen
Conservation Program Coordinator
An illustration of a group of 10 women artists.
Women Artists 09/14/2023
Drawn to Art Returns with Ten New Digital Comics About Inspiring Women
SAAM's comic series launches ten more stories of remarkable women artists
Emma Hitchcock