American Visionary Arts Museum opens new exhibit!

“What Makes Us Smile?”
October 9, 2010 – September 4, 2011

In celebration of its 15th Anniversary, AVAM will mount its most delight-filled exhibition to date, exploring just “What Makes Us Smile?” It will be curated by master humorist and creator of The Simpsons Matt Groening, artist Gary Panter, and AVAM Founder Rebecca Hoffberger. This mega exhibition on the timeless and global phenomena of smiling, laughter and humor will include contributions by dozens of artists, including comedian Michael Baldwin’s spectacular vintage toy assemblages created from toys collected from five decades of his dedicated dumpster diving, and a seven-thousand toothbrush welcome mat that uses bristles and color to invite a “SMILE” from all who enter. The triumvirate of curators will take a look at both historic and modern employ of humor to speak truth to power – think court jester/fool’s ability to say things to the king that no one else could get away with to today’s Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert and their sardonic take on today’s news and leadership.

We have great package rates on rooms and tickets to the exhibit!

Further, best-selling PostSecret author, Frank Warren, is contributing his choice, most hilarious, PostSecrets from his huge stockpile of anonymous, idiosyncratic, true-life confessions. Clown, humanitarian and physician, Patch Adams, MD will weigh in on his first hand experience of the healing power of laughter and local artist, filmmaker and imp, John Waters, will contribute his take on Santa. Adding his insight into the biology/science of the origin of human laughter is renowned author and researcher, Dr. Robert S. Provine – whose work was recently featured on the NPR ‘All Things Considered’ segment, “Do Apes Laugh When Tickled?” and will accompany the Smile exhibition’s introductory, “Tickle Me” Gallery. The monkey business show entry will also highlight the work of Burning Man fave, artist Peter Hudson… and MORE!

This mega exhibition on the timeless and global phenomena of smiling, laughter and humor will include contributions by dozens of artists and comedians. Highlights include:
- Spectacular vintage toy assemblages created from toys collected from five decades of his dedicated dumpster diving,
- A seven-thousand toothbrush welcome mat that uses bristles and color to invite a “SMILE” from all who enter.
- A look at humor can take on power, news and today’s leaders from historic times to today’s sardonic comics such as Tina Fey, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
- Best-selling PostSecret author, Frank Warren, is contributing his choice, most hilarious, PostSecrets from his huge stockpile of anonymous, idiosyncratic, true-life confessions.
- Clown, humanitarian and physician, Patch Adams, MD will weigh in on his first hand experience of the healing power of laughter
- Baltimore’s own artist, filmmaker and “Pope of trash” John Waters contributes his take on Santa
There is going to be a lot of attention and excitement in the city around this exhibit and the museum’s 15th anniversary and Harbor Magic Hotels are proud to be the official hotels of the museum and offer an exclusive getaway themed around the new exhibit!