current, upcoming & past

When we look at a finished piece of art, we often feel a deep appreciation for that special moment when it transforms from an idea into a completed work. This change is usually shown through sketches and drawings that the artist creates along the way. These early works reveal the artist’s thoughts and invite viewers to see the process of creating art. They offer a glimpse into the artist's mind, showing the decisions made and the moments of inspiration that drive the work. These sketches are clear records of the effort, trial, and discovery that led to the final artwork.

This project, called Worlds in Process: Art from the SCMA Collection, pilots new strategies for displaying the collection. 

The installation includes artworks from a range of time periods, cultures, materials, and perspectives alongside places to gather and reflect. When a group of museum staff set out to reimagine this floor, we wanted to try some new approaches, which included deepening our understanding of what visitors (especially Smith College students) find most meaningful and welcoming.