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Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 5:44 PM 
Image via Washington Post / Smithsonian American Art Museum
"Flower to Teacher" by William H. Johnson, 1944
We are looking forward to tomorrow, when the president and first lady will host a White House event for middle school students focused on "science, engineering and math education," reports Politico.
In the meantime, we have enjoyed reading today about the selection of 45 pieces of art that will be featured on loan in the East and West Wing offices of the White House, as well as in the Os private residence. The artworks were selected by First Lady Mrs. O, working with curators from the White House and local museums. The selection gives us a first glimpse inside the Os' artistic taste, which includes the work of artists such as Edgar Degas, Giorgio Morandi, Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko and others.
The painting above is one of four pieces by African American artist William H. Johnson acquired for display. Read about more the selection via The Washington Post, here.
Reader Comments (13)
Good to know, would love a coffee table book of the art collection.
Ooh, speaking of books! I will be blogging at the Mrs. O book in the next few weeks, but this made me think to mention ... the final chapter of the book includes original artwork inspired by Mrs. O. I think there are several illustrations that everyone here is going to love!
Very good!
Can't wait to see it.
This was on Smithsonian.com 2 months ago.
What an exciting collection of modern art, and more representative of American diversity than previous White House exhibits, I would guess. I appreciate the Obamas' influence.
Terrific, looking forward to it.
According to the article, Mrs. O declined the safe and bland pieces and selected some works that are leagues beyond the mainstream. If you follow her fashions, this is a no-brainer.
No surprises there. I look forward to this.
Ooooo, I'm going through the picture gallery and I LOVE the Pueblo jar by Maria Poveka Martinez. It's beautiful.
I've always loved Johnson's "Booker T. Washington Legend". I wanted to hang a copy in my husband's classroom when he taught or in his office at home. I also adore "Children Dance" for the walls in the playroom. Posh, I agree that the Pueblo jar is gorgeous. Beautiful selections!
One of the first statements Mrs. O made was that she was looking to diversify the art in the White House. I'm so glad she has moved ahead with the process.
She did say that Strong Foru and I love that she's doing it. Can't wait to see the rest of the collection.