Collections & Exhibitions

• Where can I find information about past, current or upcoming exhibitions or installations?
• How can I find out if a specific object or type of object is in SAM’s collection?
• Where can I find information about recent acquisitions—art recently added to the permanent collection?
• How can I view an object in the collection that is not currently on exhibit?
• How can I get a copy of a label I saw in the galleries or the label copy for an exhibition?
• Who is Hammering Man, the sculpture outside of SAM Downtown?
• What collections is SAM known for?
• How can I go about donating/selling/loaning artwork to the museum?
• What is the Betty Bowen Memorial Award?
• How can artists get their work exhibited at the museum or in the park?
  
  

Where can I find information about past, current or upcoming exhibitions or installations?

• Past exhibitions
• Current exhibitions
• Upcoming exhibitions

If you are unable to find the information you need on our website, please email exhibitions@seattleartmuseum.org.

How can I find out if a specific object or type of object is in SAM’s collection?

eMuseum is SAM's online collection system. It gives you access to the nearly 25,000 objects in our holdings. Search the collection by keyword (such as artist name, title or material) or by accession number. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email collection@seattleartmuseum.org.

Where can I find information about recent acquisitions —art recently added to the permanent collection?

The Committee on the Collection, a subcommittee of the SAM Board of Trustees, meets regularly to discuss and vote on new additions to the museum’s collection, as well as loans of art to other museums. Check out the most recent acquisitions to SAM's collection or email collection@seattleartmuseum.org.

How can I view an object in the collection that is not currently on exhibit?

Due to security restrictions in our storage facility, SAM has to restrict the number of visitors allowed there. Please take advantage of eMuseum, SAM's online collection system, to learn more about works of art that are not currently on display.

If it is essential for you to see the object itself, please contact collection@seattleartmuseum.org. These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Collections Coordinator and each curator. Interested parties need to submit a formal request in writing, detailing the reasons for the request. The relevant curator will review the request, and if the decision is made to proceed, the necessary arrangements will be made with the Conservation Department, Registrars Department and Security Department.

How can I get a copy of a label I saw in the galleries or the label copy for an exhibition?

If you would like a copy of any label text you see in the galleries, please contact libraries@seattleartmuseum.org. If you need label text for a piece not on view or you can’t find what you need there, please contact submitting@seattleartmuseum.org.

Who is Hammering Man, the sculpture outside of SAM Downtown?

As a part of the City of Seattle's public art program, the Seattle Arts Commission installed Hammering Man at the First Avenue and University Street entrance of SAM Downtown on September 12, 1992. Hammering Man belongs to the City of Seattle and is overseen by the Seattle Arts Commission.

What collections is SAM known for?

SAM is known locally and internationally for its diverse collections, especially in Asian, African, Northwest Coast Native American and modern/contemporary art. View examples of works in SAM's collection.

How can I go about donating/selling/loaning artwork to the museum?

If you are interested in donating/selling/loaning artwork to the museum, please see the Artist Submission Guidelines for complete details, or contact submitting@seattleartmuseum.org.

What is the Betty Bowen Memorial Award?

The Betty Bowen Memorial Award was established in honor of Betty Bowen, a local arts supporter who passed away in the 1970s. The Betty Bowen Committee is an independent group that awards an annual cash prize to selected artists. SAM holds in trust the committee’s funds and handles the public relations and administrative work involved in the award. Each year, artists who live in Washington, Oregon and Idaho are invited to submit images of their work to the committee for review. One artist is awarded the Grand Prize, and several runners-up are awarded smaller PONCHO special recognition awards. It’s a great opportunity for artists to gain exposure in the community and familiarize SAM’s curators with their work.

How can artists get their work exhibited at the museum or in the park?

Artists are welcome to submit images for review at any time. The appropriate curator will review any materials sent and follow up with the artists as needed. Please see the Artist Submission Guidelines for complete details. Another way for artists to familiarize the curators with their work is by applying for the annual Betty Bowen Memorial Award.