A repository containing 72 of Clarice Smith’s paintings has been chosen for the Clarice Smith Collection, the inaugural “Democracy Collection” for the US Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE). These paintings will be on long-term loan with the State Department to be made available to US Ambassadors for display in their embassies and residences throughout the world. This important office is celebrating its 60th year in existence and was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The purpose of Art in Embassies is to create vital world-wide cross-cultural dialogue and to foster mutual understanding through the visual arts. Clarice Smith was an avid supporter of the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) which reinforces the AIE mission.

The Clarice Smith Collection and the long-term loan were announced by Megan Beyer, the director of the office, and Camille Benton, the chief curator, on September 19, 2023, at the Art in Embassies dinner celebration at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

For more information about the artist, visit Clarice Smith’s website.

For more information visit the  “Democracy Collection” website.

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