University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Donna Hayashi Smith was appointed as the ninth Curator of the U.S. White House, where President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden live and work. Hayashi Smith is the first Asian-American to hold the position and oversees the stewardship and care of approximately 60,000 objects, ranging from fine art to furniture to china.
She is responsible for working with the President and First Lady’s staff to select furnishings and decorative artworks for display in the iconic rooms at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
“Serving as Curator of the White House is an honor and privilege that I have always considered an ultimate career achievement,” Hayashi Smith said. “After almost 30 years [at the White House], I am excited for the opportunity to lead the talented Curator’s Office team to accomplish new and different goals while serving presidents and their families.”
Guardian of heritage
Hayashi Smith has worked at the White House since 1995 starting as an administrative/collections assistant under the President Bill Clinton administration.
“Donna Hayashi Smith brings years of experience to this position, along with unique perspectives from serving under five administrations. She understands the history and legacy of the White House, as well as the intricate innerworkings of the building itself,” said First Lady Jill Biden.
In her new role as Curator, Hayashi Smith will oversee the acquisition, documentation, research, and interpretation of the White House’s extensive collection. Among the notable pieces her team oversees are the revered paintings of American presidents, such as the stoic portrayal of George Washington and the renowned downward gaze portrait of John F. Kennedy. Also, among the treasures is Georgia O’Keeffe’s Mountain at Bear Lake – Taos oil painting.
“We want everyone who visits the White House to feel a connection to the President’s House while learning about its history, great collection of fine and decorative arts, and the presidents and families who have lived there,” Hayashi Smith said.
Life-changing journey
Hayashi Smith grew up in Wahiawā and graduated from Leilehua High School before earning her BA in art history at UH Mānoa in 1990. Hayashi Smith recalls a life-changing moment on the Mānoa campus when she stumbled upon a flyer about a study abroad program in London. The overseas experience in 1988 propelled Hayashi Smith to form a deep appreciation for museums, history and culture.
After returning to Hawaiʻi, she relished her time at UH Mānoa studying under art professors like Tom Klobe, who still mentors her today. Hayashi Smith said Klobe had a profound impact on her career.
“Just his passion about his work really inspired me,” Hayashi Smith explained. “I didn’t know what my passion was. Just being surrounded by people like him who work so hard, he really stuck with what he really enjoyed and what made him happy. I feel like that’s what I’m doing today.”
When she told Klobe about her new appointment at the White House, he cried.
“For me, what is exciting is to see how she has grown,” said Klobe, a UH Mānoa professor emeritus of art and founding director of the UH art gallery. “One of the things for me that is most important as a teacher is when I’m teaching I try to get the students to realize who they are and to build on their abilities and their interests, their own personal experience.”
Senator’s guidance
Her roots in the nation’s capitol were first planted in the early 90s. Prior to graduation, Hayashi Smith contacted Sen. Daniel Inouye’s office about job opportunities at museums on the U.S. continent. The office advised her to apply for an internship at the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program. She landed a three-month minority fellowship and eventually secured a museum aide position at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American Art and worked in the Registrar’s Office for four years.
A privilege
As she begins this exciting chapter in the nation’s capital, Hayashi Smith considers it an honor to continue the work of preserving the treasures and stories of the White House.
“A relative asked what I would ever do with an art history degree. I replied that I was not sure but that I really enjoyed studying it, and felt it was the right choice for me. I am thankful I followed my interests and pursued a career that continues to bring me happiness,” Hayashi Smith said.
