SAN ANTONIO, TXPersonal letters from some of the most important artists of the 19th and 20th centuries will be on display at the San Antonio Museum of Art on November 3, 2007 as part of the new Smithsonian traveling exhibition, “More Than Words: Illustrated Letters from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art.” The exhibit will remain on view through January 13, 2008, before continuing a 10-city national tour.

The exhibition provides a unique look into the lives of key artists, including Thomas Eakins, Frida Kahlo, Marcel Duchamp, Dale Chihuly and Andy Warhol, through handwritten letters to family members, friends and business associates. “The personal letters featured in ‘More Than Words’ uncover new insights into the personalities and creative processes of some of America ’s finest artists,” said Liza Kirwin, the exhibition’s curator and curator of manuscripts at the Archives of American Art. “In this age of modern technology, the works are designed to inspire us to communicate more thoughtfully and remind us to cherish handwritten, personal communications.” Kirwin will be speaking at SAMA in regards to the exhibition as part of the Louis A. and Frances B. Wagner lecture series on Sunday, December 9, 2007, at 3pm. The lecture is free with Museum admission.

Each writer’s unique style provides interesting clues about their personality. While some of the letters were sent as personal notes, others explore the travels or business relations of the artists. Most of the letters include drawings, caricatures, watercolors and collages that further shed light on each artist’s individuality.

Throughout the exhibition, letters are arranged in sections by theme. The sections include “Bon Voyage,” containing letters written to and from travelers; “I Do,” consisting of letters written from the heart; “Plays on Words,” featuring creative letters using metaphors, puns or puzzles; “Visual Events,” describing key personal, professional and political events; “Graphic Instructions,” providing illustrated directives to the reader; and “Thank You,” showing letters of gratitude.

“More Than Words” is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.