| Dear Friends,
Even in the toughest times, we continue to look to art to bring us stories that elevate our shared humanity through the extraordinary creativity of artists whose works reflect the American experience and global connections.
Although our galleries and gathering spaces are temporarily closed to the public, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery we continue to think about our communities and you who help to make the museum a special and vibrant place, and how we can best share information and offer support during these challenging times.
We continue to update our website, YouTube channel, and @AmericanArt social media accounts with digital content that we hope sparks your intellectual curiosity and imagination while the museum’s doors are closed temporarily. To make these resources easier to find, we created a new web page, AmericanArt.si.edu/digital, to help orient you.
We also would like to hear from you. What can SAAM share that would be welcome in your inbox or on your social media feeds? Please keep in touch by writing to us at AmericanArtInfo@si.edu or reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
We have had some questions about what is happening with current and upcoming exhibitions and events, and whether we are able to extend special exhibitions, or reschedule canceled public programs. The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff is our first priority in all that we do. Smithsonian leadership continues to monitor the rapidly changing coronavirus situation closely. When we have greater certainty about our reopening dates, we will share this with you, our email subscribers and social media followers.
I leave you with words from the incomparable poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay:
From the apprehensive present, from a future packed
with unknown dangers, monstrous, terrible and new–
Let us turn to comfort this simple fact:
We have been in trouble before...
And we came through.
With all good wishes,
Stephanie Stebich
The Margaret and Terry Stent Director | 