People
These influential artists, celebrities, leaders and scholars have shaped our world
Handmade Christmas Cards Sent By Famous Artists to Their Friends
Original designs from artists over the years to celebrate the holidays
December 13, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events December 14-16: Ai Weiwei’s Ceramics, Mayan Calendar and Stradivari’s Instruments
This weekend, learn about the contemporary artist's use of historic objects, why the world didn't end and just what's so special about Stradivari in concert
December 13, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Flower Power, Redefined
In a new book, Andrew Zuckerman embraces minimalism, capturing 150 colorful blooms on white backdrops
December 12, 2012 |
By Ryan R. Reed
PHOTOS: The Wit and Genius of the Father of Video Art Nam June Paik
Photos and videos from the American Art Museum's new exhibit, "Nam June Paik: Global Visionary"
December 12, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Taking the Bite Out of DC’s Partisan Dialog: A New Installation Seeks Common Ground
More then 89 heavyweights were interviewed for artist Lincoln Schatz's new video work at the National Portrait Gallery
December 11, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events December 11-13: The Interviewer, The Conservator and the Provocateur
This week, talk with artist Lincoln Schatz about his new video portrait, conservators for the Smithsonian, and artist Barbara Kruger
December 10, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Quirky Holiday Gift Ideas for Science Nerds
A roundup of unique (if impractical) science gifts, from glass anatomical models to retro adding machines
December 07, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
What Prehistoric Reptile Do These Three-foot Claws Belong To?
Claws once thought to belong to a giant turtle turned out to be from one of the weirdest dinosaurs ever found
December 06, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
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
The Day Henry Clay Refused to Compromise
The Great Pacificator was adept at getting congressmen to reach agreements over slavery. But he was less accommodating when one of his own slaves sued him
December 06, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
The Kennedy Assassin Who Failed
Richard Paul Pavlick’s plan wasn’t very complicated, but it took an eagle-eyed postal worker to prevent a tragedy
December 06, 2012 |
By Dan Lewis
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
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
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
Madame Restell: The Abortionist of Fifth Avenue
Without benefit of medical training, Madame Restell spent 40 years as a "female physician"
November 27, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
