You Have To See the Smithsonian First-Ever Nail Art Initiative
Three artists were invited to create unique manicures inspired by the research institute’s curated collections.
The Smithsonian is dedicated to showcasing art in every form, pushing its boundaries even further by delving into the beauty space. In a bid to honor creativity and culture, the American research institute teamed up with three talented nail artists – Ameya Okamoto, Santana Walker and Celeste Hampton – to create nail art inspired by what they felt drawn to during visits to multiple museums within the Smithsonian museum system.
Below, dive into their creative process, personal journeys and the inspiration behind each artist’s unique set.
Ameya Okamoto
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For Okomato, Nam June Paik’s “Electronic Superhighway” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum made an impact. Seeing her identity reflected in the piece’s vast, multi-colored lights, she crafted a set that felt like an expression of her upbringing in America. “A lot of my work is about making a statement and being an individual,” she said in a post shared to Instagram.
Santana Walker
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The indigenous Walker saw this opportunity with the Smithsonian as a way of revitalizing the art of formline. Passed down by her ancestors, this medium is seen on clothing, paintings and now, a beautiful set of extensions. She chose works by Floyd Joseph, Calvin Hunt and Tony Hunt at the National Museum of the American Indian to model her nails after. “Now that we’re taking up space and being proud of who we are as a people, wearing our art in every aspect that we can is huge,” she stated in an Instagram post.
Celeste Hampton
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“There’s something that is healing when you bring Black people together and you see yourself,” Hampton, a celebrity nail artist, business owner and interior designer said in an Instagram post. For her, the way a person sees the world and speaks words into existence is completely their own and this individuality can be shown through nail art. She related to the 2024 painting “Kitten Meal” by Rachelle Baker at the National Museum of African American History and Culture because it perfectly mirrored the way that women commune and rest, showing how a shared experience can allow you to just be yourself.
To watch the entire nine-part video series, you can visit the museum’s Instagram here.
For more coverage, check out our round-up of Fashion Month FW25 beauty trends.
