Mason’s Art History Program and the Smithsonian Institution

As we celebrate our new joint Smithsonian-George Mason University MA in Decorative Arts program, it’s worth noting that Mason art historians have enjoyed a long association with the Smithsonian in public education and private research activities. Faculty activities include Ellen Todd’s research fellowships at the Hirshhorn and Smithsonian American Art Museum and Robert DeCaroli’s many activities at the Freer and Sackler Galleries of Asian Art. Lisa Bauman, Lawrence Butler, DeCaroli, Christopher Gregg, Richard Mason, and Louisa Woodville have all given lectures or classes for the Smithsonian Resident Associates Program in the past year or so. In February, Butler gave an all-day seminar based on Islamic art in the Freer collection, while our adjunct professor Richard Mason gave a seven-lecture course on Western art this past spring. For more information on these public programs at the Smithsonian, go to residentassociates.org.