Past Exhibitions | Smithsonian Institution

Of the Moment: A Video Sampler from the Archives of American Art

See video highlights from the Archives' collections that document scenes from the lives of selected artists.

April 4, 2009 – July 27, 2009

Summer School: Selections from the Archives of American Art

View letters, photographs, and sketchbooks that reveal the importance of summer art schools to artists' lives and careers.

June 20, 2008 – September 28, 2008

Archives of American Art

A Thousand Kisses: Love Letters from the Archives of American Art

View love letters from the Archives' collection sent to and received from American artists that provide insights into their lives.

January 25, 2008 – June 2, 2008

Archives of American Art

Sketchbooks from the Archives of American Art

View sketchbooks by selected artists that provide a snapshot of their visual thinking.

October 5, 2007 – January 6, 2008

Archives of American Art

Wish You Were Here: Artists on Vacation

View snapshots, sketchbooks, and postcards -- to name a few -- that illustrate artists on vacation.

June 28, 2007 – September 21, 2007

Archives of American Art

Anatomy of a Painting: Honore Sharrer's Tribute to the American Working People

View Honore Sharrer's 5-panel painting Tribute to the American Working People, along with materials that document her artistic process in creating this work.

March 8, 2007 – June 20, 2007

Archives of American Art

Exquisite Surprise: The Papers of Joseph Cornell

This exhibition reveals artist Joseph Cornell's sense of wonder and illuminates his creative process.

November 17, 2006 – February 28, 2007

Archives of American Art