Jessica Stockholder, JS 462, 2008, Gift of Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz © artist or artist’s estate; Richard Long, Elterwater Stone Ring, 1985, Purchased with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Haskell © Richard Long / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / DACS, London; El Anatsui, Palettes of Ambition, 2022, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Karl Salatka, by exchange © El Anatsui. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

From the first cave paintings of prehistory to contemporary objects and modern inventions, humans have found beauty in common items and familiar locations. Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection holds numerous examples of art created from ordinary materials—copper, wood, natural fibers, disposed plastic, and stones. Found Objects: From Rocks to Soup Cans shines a spotlight on these unique pieces, exploring how artists throughout history have infused the everyday, the commonplace, and the mundane with meaning and life.

You are invited to join Carnegie Museum of Art's talented docents for this virtual examination of the earthy, stony, and plastic examples of found object art housed in our galleries and archives. From the comfort of home, you’ll gain unique insights, see a curated selection of works in remarkable detail, and contribute to our continued evaluation of found object art with your own questions and perspectives.