What's in a frame? More than a painting, as I discovered after talking to Martin Kotler, frames conservator for the American Art Museum. While standing in front of the newly-installed frames case in the Luce Foundation Center, Martin explained that frames can be hand-carved, cast using additive material, or even made of faux leather as seen in the lower left corner of this case. I also learned that the gold that I am used to seeing on early 20th-century frames can even come in variations such as pale gold, lemon gold, or silver made to look like gold. If you are interested in viewing the gilded edge of the artwork without being distracted by those pesky paintings, then come upstairs to Luce's the 3rd-floor mezzanine and check out case 12a.

We managed to grab some video footage of Martin talking about these frames, check it out on our Facebook page. (You don't need to be a Facebook member to view the video!) 

Luce Artist Talk: Mariah Anne Johnson

Sunday, March 25, 2012, 1:30 - 3:30pm

Join us at 1:30 p.m. when artist Mariah Anne Johnson looks at James Surls' sculpture Black and White Tipped Flower and his use of negative space. Johnson will discuss her own use of negative space in her ongoing installation work in which she meticulously folds and drapes sheets. Following the talk, Johnson will lead participants in a hands-on activity creating art inspired by her installation work.

Visit our website for more information about Luce Foundation Center Programs. 

Smithsonian American Art Museum 

Washington, D.C. 20004

Renwick Gallery

Pennsylvania Ave at 17th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20006