Beyond the Frame: American History through Artworks at SAAM
Class | Registration opens 6/1/2026 7:00 AM EDT
Artists give us a window on American life, often reflecting the cultural and social climate of the time which they work. Explore the question, “What does art reveal about America?” as you examine better- and lesser-known aspects of American history to reframe your perspective. Join study leaders from the Smithsonian American Art Museum as they facilitate an examination of America through artists’ eyes in four discussion-based sessions, each focused on a separate era: Seeing is Thinking, Early America, 1861-1941: 80 Years of Change, and Contemporary Life.
SAAM Presenters
American Art Museum study leaders are seasoned volunteer videoconference presenters deeply familiar with the Museum’s collections and how to facilitate conversations about artworks. Their professional experiences, paired with Museum-provided training, have prepared them to be facile leaders of artwork-based discussions who are responsive to participants’ interests. There may be up to four different leaders, one for each session.