Smithsonian American Art Museum
I'm hoping this finds everyone well-rested from a leisurely Memorial Day Weekend and ready to face the summer swelter head-on. Of course, here at the museum we must keep our building nice and cool to protect the art. One of the behind-the-scenes tasks of which museum visitors may not be aware is how we maintain gallery environment to ensure elements such as temperature and moisture don't harm our treasures. The accomplished team in our Lunder Conservation Center constantly monitors our spaces and artwork. Not familiar with the Lunder Conservation Center? For those of you wondering, it is our state-of-the-art visible conservation lab on the third floor of the museum. And what an amazing place to discover! This summer we invite you to check out our conservators at work during regular museum hours, or attend one of the fascinating programs below to get acquainted with conservation and how it protects our museum's collection.
 
Mandy
Public Affairs

 

 

 

 Conservation of Our Collection   


Dusting a sculpture

African American Art 

June 6 │ 5:30pm
August 15 │ 12:30pm

Tour African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, and Beyond with the museum's conservators, who will highlight materials, techniques and approaches used by artists in the exhibition's painting, collage, and sculpture.




Abstract Drawings
 
July 12 │ 4pm
Tour Abstract Drawings with paper conservator Kate Maynor, who will discuss how materials are chosen to create varied effects and the different techniques used to conserve drawings.



Above: Willem de Kooning, Woman, 1952-1953, pastel on paper mounted on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the Vincent Melzac Collection through the Smithsonian Institution Collections Acquisition Program, � 2012 The Willem de Kooning Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York


Read the museum's blog, Eye Level, for conservation insights and updates!

Behind the Scenes
Wednesdays at 3pm 

Learn how conservators use science, art history, and skilled hands to preserve the museum's objects. Group size is limited, meet at the Luce Foundation Center Information Desk, third floor mezzanine.

Conservation Clinics
by appointment only 

Museum conservators consult with you about the preservation of your art. For an appointment or to learn more, e-mail [email protected] and specify "CLINIC" in the subject line. Please note: museum conservators cannot provide authentication or appraisal services for your works of art.


 
All programs free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Need more information?
Visit our online calendar or e-mail us at [email protected].
 
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Smithsonian American Art Museum 

8th & F Streets NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

 

Renwick Gallery

Pennsylvania Ave at 17th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20006

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