The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) has appointed Robert “Bob” C. Davidson Jr. as the new chair of its Board of Commissioners. Davidson, a retired chairman, CEO, and founder of Surface Protection Industries, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His appointment marks a significant milestone as he is the first African American to serve as chair of the board.
Davidson has been a board member since 2016 and previously chaired the board’s collection committee from 2021 to 2023. SAAM Director Stephanie Stebich praised Davidson’s leadership skills and his contributions to the museum’s collecting mission and governance matters.
The historic appointment of Robert C. Davidson Jr. as the first African American chair of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s board of commissioners.
Davidson, residing in Pasadena, Calif., is known for his extensive collection of African American art, which he has amassed alongside his wife, Faye Davidson. The couple has lent works from their collection to major museums for public exhibitions, supporting initiatives like the current “Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight” at The Huntington. They have also contributed to exhibitions such as “Between Worlds: The Art of Bill Traylor” at SAAM in 2019.
Besides his involvement with SAAM, Davidson serves on various boards in diverse fields including banking, healthcare, education, and the arts. His philanthropic endeavors have had a significant impact on institutions like The Huntington and Morehouse College, his alma mater.
The Smithsonian Board of Regents recently approved the naming of the Robert and Faye Davidson Family Gallery at SAAM in recognition of the couple’s support.
Davidson expressed his enthusiasm for his role, emphasizing the importance of sharing American art and history through the museum’s collections to inspire reflection and dialogue. He looks forward to implementing the museum’s strategic plan and expanding its national collections.
IMAGE: Robert C. Davidson Jr. | Courtesy of Robert C. Davidson Jr., Photo by David Perry
Multiple exhibitions focused on Black artists are currently on view at SAAM in Washington, D.C.: “Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas”, “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour — Frederick Douglass”, “Carrie Mae Weems: Looking Forward, Looking Back”, and “J. P. Ball and Robert S. Duncanson: An African American Artistic Collaboration”.
BOOKSHELF: The exhibition catalog “Between Worlds: The Art of Bill Traylor” (2018) chronicles the retrospective of Bill Traylor at SAAM. “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour – Frederick Douglass” accompanies Isaac Julien’s profound work. “Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful” explores the artistic journey of Alma Thomas.
