News

Pen to Paper, a collection of letters by artists from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, reveals how letter writing can be an artistic act, just as an artist puts pen to paper to craft a line in a drawing.

The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art (the Archives) has acquired the extraordinary archive of the late philanthropist, artist, collector, and art dealer James R. “Jimmy” Hedges III (1942–2014) and the records from his Rising Fawn Folk Art Gallery.

Amanda Dalla Villa Adams, a doctoral student in art history at Virginia Commonwealth University, was awarded the Archives of American Art Graduate Research Essay Prize funded by the Dedalus Foundation Inc.

The Archives of American Art is throwing a birthday party for painter Robert Motherwell (1915–1992). To mark the occasion, we will give away 101 free birthday cupcakes and share fun facts about Motherwells’ remarkable life. Join us in the Kogod Courtyard on January 24 at 1:00 pm.

The Archives of American Art is pleased to announce that we will host an afternoon symposium on December 4, 2015 in honor of the centenary of Robert Motherwell’s birth. 

The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art has acquired the extraordinary photographic archive of Cosmos Andrew Sarchiapone (1931–2011)—or “Cosmos,” as he was known—including more than 40,000 images documenting New York’s avant-garde art scene, along with celebrity parties, concerts, openings and other occasions in the 1970s'.

This summer, the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art will showcase for the first time a selection of the personal address books of influential American artists. From Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner to Joseph Cornell and Ad Reinhardt, “Little Black Books: Address Books from the Archives of American Art” will uncover fascinating webs of personal and professional connections. The exhibition will be on view at the Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery at the Smithsonian’s Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture from August 7 through November 1, 2015.

The Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, is pleased to announce that Tanya Sheehan will serve as guest editor of the Archives of American Art Journal for 2016. 

Two FREE programs led by artist Aram Han Sifuentes. Aram Han Sifuentes is a social practice fiber artist and works closely with Chicago based non-profit organizations, community centers, and public schools to facilitate workshops for immigrant communities.   

The Archives notes with sadness the passing on April 17th of A. Alfred Taubman, longtime supporter and Trustee Emeritus of the Archives of American Art.