Smithsonian Acquires Grandma Moses Artwork
Earlier this year, the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired three works of art by Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses. These acquisitions are proving to be more than popular pieces: they’re a big step forward in adding more work by women and self-taught artists to the Smithsonian’s permanent collections. Grandma Moses, who lived […]
The Hidden Life of “The Blue Boy”
At first blush, Thomas Gainsborough’s famous work known as “The Blue Boy” seems like a simple enough painting of a well-to-do 18th-century young master of the upper class, dressed to the nines in his little blue suit. However, some new details have come to light as the painting undergoes restoration at its home, The Huntington […]
Our Blogger’s Favorite Works at SFMOMA
We can hardly believe that it’s been two years since SFMOMA reopened its doors after a several-year expansion. And with that in mind, we figured it was high time we stopped by. The museum houses tons of works, many by artists featured in our program like Matisse, Rivera, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Calder, and a major exhibition […]
Here’s Where to Read Free Art Books Online
Readers and art history lovers rejoice: your holiday season is about to get much more merry. We have good news for you: Getty Publications, associated with The Getty Museum, has a virtual library where you can check out over 250 books on art, art history, and more online. Yes, we’re telling the truth. It gets […]
One-Stop Holiday Shopping: Your Local Museum Store?
Looking for a unique place to find a Christmas gift for the art-lover in your life? (Or, let’s face it, a special gift for yourself?) Here’s a thought: try your local museum shop. Despite criticism by Banksy (whose film is derisively titled Exit Through the Gift Shop) and others, museum shops often serve a vital purpose: […]
Celebrating The Art & Icons of Día de los Muertos
In recent years, the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, has become increasingly popular. Simply look to the sheer amount of decor at Target or Pier 1 Imports: you’ll find sugar skulls and smiling skeletons in among the Halloween ghouls. Even Disneyland has an entire area of Frontierland decorated to celebrate […]
Kinesthesia & More at the Palm Springs Art Museum
In our last blog post, we mentioned Palm Springs Art Museum’s participation in Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA. After taking a look at the museum’s website, we figured we’d get started in exploring as many of the LA/LA exhibits as we can…starting with Palm Springs. Luckily for us, the museum proved a great place to ease in to […]
Time to Check Out “Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA”
First of all, let’s get this out of the way: no, LA/LA isn’t related to La La Land in any way besides the fact that the art show is also centered in Los Angeles. If you don’t live in Southern California, you might not have heard about the huge exhibition, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, currently taking place […]
Going for Baroque at the Norton Simon Museum
Odds are that you’re already familiar with Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum, even if you’re not aware of it. Though you may not recognize it without the big rose emblem that generally adorns the building’s exterior during TV broadcasts of the annual New Year’s Day Rose Parade, the Norton Simon’s convenient location on Colorado Boulevard sets […]
Fun for All Ages with the National Gallery of Art’s Art Zone
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. is renowned for its collection, as we’re all aware. But there’s now even more to be excited about, both inside and outside the museum. Our Head Director of the Art Docent Program, Amy Scherschligt, recently got to experience the NGA’s magic firsthand on a trip to D.C. […]