The Smithsonian American Art Museum will present a symposium Saturday, April 12 in conjunction with the exhibition, "Ornament as Art: Avant-Garde Jewelry from the Helen Williams Drutt Collection," on view at the Renwick Gallery through July 6. The symposium is free and open to the public; no registration is required. For more information, e-mail saamprograms@si.edu or call (202) 633-8490.

"A Grand Passion: Global Perspectives on Contemporary Jewelry" will unite collector Helen Drutt and four internationally respected artists who have worked with her in the past—German Claus Bury, Australian Robert Baines and Americans Robin Kranitzky and Kim Overstreet—to discuss the international exchange between artist and collector. The panel, moderated by Renwick Gallery Curator Milosch, will highlight the unique contributions and perspectives each artist has made to modern and contemporary art jewelry. The symposium is co-sponsored by the James Renwick Alliance and the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery.

This program is part of the museum's ongoing commitment to contemporary art, which includes bringing leading artists to Washington to discuss the creative experience.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is located above the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25. Admission is free. Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000 or TTY (202) 633-5285. Recorded museum information: (202) 633-7970. Web site: americanart.si.edu.

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