Exhibition Chronology
Read the full chronology of exhibitions organized by the Archives of American Art.
Before Internet Cats: Feline Finds from the Archives of American Art
Everyday Life
It is my two pussycats that help me survive and I love them dearly; even though, really as far as I can see, they are good for nothing.
—Beatrice Wood to Elizabeth Stein, 1992
There are more than seventy million cats living in American households. The popular pets are considered family members. In these unassuming snapshots and personal files, cats are the center of attention—whether they like it or not. These candid records give us a glimpse into an artist’s daily activities outside of the studio, where they hang out with their friends, families, and, of course, felines.
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Photograph
Lorri Wirsum, Karl Wirsum, and Ruby Wonder Wirsum
1971 May -
Photograph
Photograph of Kay Sage and Yves Tanguy with cats
circa 1950 -
Writing
Cat Fancier's Association registration form for Kay Sage's cats
1958 -
Photograph
Anne Arnold's cat, Stubbs, and one of her bunnies in Maine
circa 1970 -
Photograph
Photograph of Ella Witter's cat Tuffy
circa 1950 -
Writing
Personal directory
1967 through 1972 -
Photograph
Gertrude Abercrombie and Robert Livingston with a cat
circa 1945 -
Photograph
Group in New Canaan House I, New Canaan, Connecticut
circa 1947 -
Photograph
Photograph of Hedda Sterne with her cat, Poussin
circa 1952 -
Photograph
Alexander Stavenitz and Barbara Burrage with their cat
1931 -
Photograph
Photograph of Paul Suttman with wife Elisse and their cat
circa 1967
The Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery
The Archives of American Art’s exhibition space is located two blocks away from our D.C. Research Center in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture (8th and F Streets NW).
Please visit www.si.edu/visit for more information and to review safety requirements before your visit.
Learn more about visiting the gallery.
Hours: Open daily 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free