Established soon after the inception of the U.S. space program in 1958, NASA’s Art Program provides a unique way to communicate the accomplishments, setbacks, and sheer excitement of space exploration to the public. Over the years, more than 200 NASA-commissioned artists have enjoyed a behind-the-scenes perspective of the agency, often working directly with the astronauts, scientists, and other personnel who have shaped its missions and programs. Some watched Neil Armstrong “suit up” for his mission to the moon, or, more recently, witnessed contact with Mars rovers from mission control rooms.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2008, NASA is collaborating with SITES and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) on NASA | ART: 50 Years of Exploration. Drawn from works in NASA and NASM’s archives that range from the illustrative to the abstract, the exhibition features approximately 50 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, and other media by such artists as Annie Leibowitz, Nam June Paik, Robert Rauschenberg, Norman Rockwell, Doug and Mike Starn, Andy Warhol, William Wegman, and Jamie Wyeth.