J. André Smith and the Art of Camouflage

In 1917, upon America’s entry into World War I, J. André Smith, founder of the Maitland Art Center (formerly known as the Research Studio), enlisted in the Army Reserve and received officer’s training. He first served with a camouflage unit and then joined as the senior officer and commander in a war art program, consisting of eight professional artists to document the activities of the American Expeditionary Force in France. Smith designed the Distinguished Service Cross, and after the war, he published In France with the American Expeditionary Forces, which included many of his wartime drawings.  Timed to coincide with the centenary of the end of the First World War on November 11, Art & History Museums—Maitland presents two exhibitions: Soldier’s Home: Veterans’ Art in Central Florida in the Maitland Art Center and J. André Smith and the Art of Camouflage in the Maitland Historical Museum.

J. André Smith and the Art of Camouflage provides an overview of André Smith’s experimentation with camouflage methods during World War I, with objects recreated to bring several of his ideas to life and to explore the intersection of art with the mechanics of war. This exhibit is curated by Danielle Thomas and Dan L. Hess.

Visit the Plan Your Visit page for hours & pricing.  Admission includes entry to Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum and the Telephone Museum.

These exhibitions are made possible by: