Smithsonian Institution Archives

Finding Aids to Official Records of the Smithsonian Institution

Accession 94-082
Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities,
Experimental Gallery Records, circa 1988-1994

Box 37 of this accession is restricted for 15 years from the latest date of records (1994). Restrictions will be lifted at the beginning of the calendar year 2010. Access to restricted collections requires explicit permission from the transferring office or donor. Contact the SIA Reference Staff for further information (call 202-633-5870, or email OSIAREF@osia.si.edu).

HISTORICAL NOTE

On February 2, 1991, the Experimental Gallery was established in the Arts and Industries Building, and for the next three years reported to the Office of Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities before becoming defunct on May 2, 1994. During its years of operation, the Experimental Gallery functioned as an "exhibition laboratory" in which museum professionals from within and outside the Smithsonian explored the exhibition development process by offering an exhibit workshop setting to the public. Study focused on understanding audience interactive techniques, interpretation, learning styles, and design critiques of exhibition components before they were installed in fully realized exhibitions. Also of interest were public programs, evaluation strategies, marketing plans, and printed materials. Although the Gallery covered many subjects, its initial emphasis was multicultural exhibitions in the arts, humanities, and physical/natural sciences. Staff included Kimberly Camp, Director, 1990-1994; Freida D. Austin, Assistant Director, 1990-1994; Roger Magazine, Administrative Assistant, 1990-1992; Michael C. Reese, A/V Equipment Operator, 1991-1993; Norman Andersen, Exhibition Designer, 1992-1994; and Bruce Underwood, Education Specialist, 1992-1994.

DESCRIPTIVE ENTRY

Records consist of correspondence and memoranda pertaining to Experimental Gallery proposals, installation of exhibitions, gallery activities with the public, and research; administrative files concerning financial reports, funding (through the Cafritz and Rockefeller foundations, as well as the Pew Charitable Trusts), contracts, exhibit management, and personnel; minutes of meetings; articles and newspaper clippings; blueprints and floor plans for the Experimental Gallery space; special events information; Advisory Committee reports; artist proposals; video and exhibition scripts; exhibition photographs, slides, videotapes, and cassettes; fellowship and internship information; and exhibition concept drawings and transparencies. Also includes records from exhibitions, such as "Etiquette of the Undercaste," "World Wall: A Vision of the Future Without Fear," and "Powers of Ten."

Box 1 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE and FINANCIAL: Director Files

Box 2 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE and FINANCIAL: Director Files

Box 3 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE and FINANCIAL: Director Files

Box 4 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE and FINANCIAL: Director Files

Box 5 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE and FINANCIAL: Director Files

Box 6 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE GENERAL: Director Files

Box 7 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE GENERAL: Director Files

Box 8 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE GENERAL: Director Files

Box 9 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE GENERAL: Assistant Director Files

Box 10 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE GENERAL: Assistant Director Files

Box 11 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE GENERAL: Assistant Director Files

Box 12 of 37

ADMINISTRATIVE: Assistant Director Files

Box 13 of 37

Box 14 of 37

Box 15 of 37

Box 16 of 37

Box 17 of 37

Box 18 of 37

Box 19 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "Cartoons" and "Dress Code"

Box 20 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include American Psychological Association - "Understanding Ourselves and Each Other"

Box 21 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "Etiquette of the Undercaste" and "Casitas - An Urban Alternative"

Box 22 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: "Kids Bridge"

Box 23 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: "Kids Bridge"

Box 24 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "Finding Your Way - A Historical and Interactive Approach to Navigating," "Powers of Ten," "Legos," and "The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly - Human Attitudes Toward Animals"

Box 25 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "Casitas - An Urban Cultural Alternative," "Project Face to Face," and "Brazil/New York Oxygen Share"

Box 26 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: American Psychological Association - "Understanding Ourselves and Each Other"

Box 27 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: "Kids Bridge"

Box 28 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "The Good, the Bad and the Cuddly - Human Attitudes Toward Animals," "Finding Your Way - A Historical and Interactive Approach to Navigating," "Dress Codes," and "Exhibit Map"

Box 29 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "World Wall - A Vision of Future Without Fear," "Principles of Flight," "Crossroads/Footprints/Dreamkeeper," and "Powers of Ten"

Box 30 of 37

EXHIBITION FILES: Include "Etiquette of the Undercaste," "Cartoon," and "Dress Codes"

Box 31 of 37

EXHIBITION REVIEWS

Box 32 of 37

Box 33 of 37

Box 34 of 37

Box 35 of 37

Box 36 of 37

Box 37 of 37

OVERSIZE MATERIAL:

Blueprints and items from Experimental Gallery exhibitions

Contact us at osiaref@si.edu

Finding Aids Main Menu || Official Records Finding Aids || Collections ||
Hours & Directions || Archives Division Home || SIA Home

  Return to Smithsonian Home Page

Revised: August 1, 2002