Fine Arts
These Beautiful Blurs Are Nude Portraits
New York–based photographer Shinichi Maruyama has a knack for capturing motion on film
December 06, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Events December 7-9: 3-D Caves, Custom Kicks and Talk-Rock
This weekend, catch the hot new virtual reality art project, create your own "mockups" with artist Louie Gong and take in a talk and show with Fire and the Wheel
December 06, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Black Marble, Interrupted: Our Mark on the Night Sky, From Space
NASA scientists created global composite images using cloud-free nights to reveal an unprecedented look at how our planet appears at night
December 05, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Holiday Gift Guide: Must-Reads from the Smithsonian’s Curators
We asked the institution team for their picks from the past year, from art to poetry to science
December 05, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Nine Gift Ideas For the Science-Loving Art Enthusiast on Your List
Be it a book, movie, calendar or game, these picks are perfect for the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list
December 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Playlist: Eight Tracks to Get Your Holiday Music Groove On
A roundup of holiday classics and some new alternatives for a festive season
December 04, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
Collecting the World’s Collections of Small Oddities One Day at a Time
A Q&A with Diana Zlatanovski on how she came to collect collections, what they say about design, and how to be a collector without becoming a hoarder
December 04, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
The General is in the House; Colin Powell’s Portrait Goes on View
The gallery commissioned a portrait of the first African American Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
December 04, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Karen Cusolito Lights Her Artwork on Fire
Meet the artist who burns her creations to amazing effect
December 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Insane Amount of Biodiversity in One Cubic Foot
David Liittschwager travels to the world's richest ecosystems, photographing all the critters that pass through his "biocube" in 24 hours
November 30, 2012 |
By Jeff Greenwald
Drawing on the Edge: Six Contemporary Portraitists Challenge Convention
Six young artists leave their mark on portraiture with the National Portrait Gallery's new exhibit
November 30, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Africa’s Space Programs, the Middle East’s Diva and Ang Lee’s Wedding Banquet
This weekend, explore a continent's long history with the stars, hear the vocal stylings of Karima Skalli and watch another classic in a series of film screenings
November 29, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Amy Henderson: A Portrait is a Story Unfolding
Artist Everett Raymond Kinstler's portrait of the legendary performer Christopher Plummer joins the collection as Kinstler is honored by The Players Club in New York City
November 28, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Photos: The National Hockey League Turns 95
Though the league is currently in another lockout, the Smithsonian collections have plenty of memorabilia from the sport's history in the United States
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events November 27-29: Johnny Mercer, Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Handi-hour
This week, review the musical genius of Capitol Records co-founder, examine identity in Middle Eastern art and start your stitching
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Insider Visitor Tips for the Holiday Weekend
Must-see exhibits, little known facts and veteran visitor wisdom for your Thanksgiving weekend at the Smithsonian
November 20, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Another Smash Hit on the Thanksgiving Tour: Rovaldi’s “Opening Day”
The next must-see item in our roundup of family-friendly Smithsonian stops is an homage to both baseball and video art
November 19, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events November 20-22: A Nation’s River, Observations and Festive Foods
This week, Alexandra Cousteau discusses the Potomac, kids can gaze at the skies and the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled Thanksgiving
November 19, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
At American Art: A New Look on How Artists Recorded the Civil War
A groundbreaking exhibit presents the Civil War through the eyes of artists uncertain of the conflict's outcome, shedding fresh light on the events
November 16, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Trash as Treasure: Crocheting Plastic Coral Reefs
With yarn made from discarded plastic bags, Australian artist Helle Jorgensen stitches delicate sculptures of corals
November 16, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino


