Online Resource
Picturing Fighters for Freedom Across History Decode imagery and discover hidden stories in artist William H. Johnson's Fighters for Freedom series, painted in the mid-1940s. These resources are presented in coordination with the nationally touring exhibition Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice. |
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| | SAAM Is Recruiting Volunteer Docents
Information Sessions:
April 27, 12 p.m.
May 9, 5 p.m.
May 11, 12 p.m. Smithsonian American Art Museum
Meet in the G Street LobbyDo you have an interest in American art, culture, and history? Do you enjoy working with the public? SAAM and its contemporary craft branch, the Renwick Gallery, is recruiting volunteer docents to lead visitor tours. Our docents work with visitors of all ages, including students. For more information, please email Geoffrey Cohrs at [email protected]. |
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Earth Day Family Day
April 20, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and G Streets NW
Kogod Courtyard
Free | Registration encouraged Join SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery to celebrate Earth Day! Enjoy musical performances from Bash the Trash and other acts to learn how art and science can help protect the earth. Attendees can also enjoy nature-themed crafts and coloring pages as well as face painting for those ages 12 and under. A scavenger hunt in the galleries features works in both museums’ collections that highlight the natural wonders of earth and the various ways artists contribute to the care of our planet. |
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Know Before You Go
Registration helps us plan for supplies and staffing support. Entry is first come, first serve. Crafts and face painting are while supplies last. The line for face painting closes at 2:30 p.m. |
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| | Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice Gallery Talk
Wednesday, May 1, 5:30 p.m. Join senior curator Virginia Mecklenberg for selected highlights featured in SAAM's newest exhibition. These images honor the stories of African American historical figures who worked to bring peace to the world while facing the realities of racism, oppression, and violence. |
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| | Meet Scott Rosenfeld
Lighting Designer at SAAM What is your job?
I have the unusual job of manipulating light so people can see better, while also preserving light-sensitive artworks. This work includes designing different kinds of electric lighting (mostly track lights) and controlling daylight.
What kind of training is needed to do your job?
Most universities and colleges offer training in theatrical lighting design, and they do an excellent job of training students. Theater provides hands-on experiences with similar technologies, and students learn how to respond to art and make lighting decisions that help tell a story.
What skill do you use most often?
Tenacity.
What’s something that has surprised you about working in museums?
There is always more to see! Artworks I haven’t seen, details I haven’t noticed before, and artist stories that have yet to come alive for me.
What’s something you’re most proud to have done?
Working with the Department of Energy, we showed that well-made LEDs can provide an excellent quality of light while saving lots of energy. By showing that LEDs were good enough for museums, we show[ed] they would likely be good enough for everyone else. |
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Image Credits: William H. Johnson, Marian Anderson, ca. 1945, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.657
Former docent Rick Busch engages local 8th grade students with Mike Wilkins’s Preamble.
Alma Thomas, Grassy Melodic Chant, 1976, acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of the artist, 1980.36.5
William H. Johnson, Harriet Tubman, ca. 1945, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.1146
Photo courtesy of Scott Rosenfeld |
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