This will be an opportunity for Wikimedians to work not only within AAA but also within the collections and realms of other organizations within the Smithsonian. While AAA does not hold a vast selection of content regarding the American Civil War, it does have valuable content related to artists who worked during and served in the war, as well as artworks created as tribute.
2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the art exhibition that changed the art world. The Archives of American Art will be showcasing its collection in an exhibition slated for the anniversary year. This summer will mark the first event to expand on coverage related to artists, artworks and the event itself on Wikipedia and related websites.
Collectors Journal Issue
Twice a year AAA releases their Archives of American Art Journal which showcases the unique collections within the vaults. Every issue is themed, and the upcoming summer issue will be about art collectors.
The nice thing is that all of this content is in the public domain!
Oral history project - photographers
AAA is going to be showcasing oral history by photographers - a group of artists that have lacked the attention that painters, sculptors and other artists have in regards to telling their stories - in an exhibition form. How can these stories and primary sources be used to expand on the content related to photographers in Wikipedia?
AAA holds a wealth of information and content related to the originators of cool - The Beat Generation. From the most famous of the bunch to more obscure poets and socialites. WikiProject:The Beats anyone?
Charles Sheeler is one of the many artists who has his recipes in the Archives of American Art
The American art scene has been molded and shaped more so by art galleries than museums. From collectors to art gallery owners, selling prices, and more specifically the content and papers about specific galleries, AAA holds a vast amount of archival information about galleries that have been formative in the American art world.
Food
A nice selection of archival information exists in the collection related to food. AAA has recipes of artists and menus from individuals favorite dining establishments around the world. Perhaps a contest can be held - food reviews of recipes!
Artists' colonies have served as places of respite, inspiration, and partying for artists in the US for centuries. AAA has archival information related to colonies and schools such as Skowhegan, Pilchuck, Black Mountain and as most recently celebrated by the New York Public Library: Yaddo.
Syracuse University Archives hold and acquire similar content about American artists as AAA. Is there potential to work together on projects this summer? Perhaps! Visit their Archives website here.
