Sponsored by The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, American Express Company, and The Bay and Paul Foundations.
Also supported by New York Council for the Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities

The Federal Art Project was a New Deal work relief program that hired 5,000 unemployed artists between 1935 and 1943. Commissioned artworks were displayed in public spaces including federal art centers, libraries, department stores, and even street corners. Murals were created in public schools, libraries, and hospitals. Artists produced 2,500 murals, 17,000 sculptures, 108,000 easel paintings, and 11,000 printing plates nationwide.

The Federal Art Project dissolved in 1943 when government funds were diverted to U.S. involvement in World War II. Artwork was distributed to tax-supported public institutions. The Queens Library received over 450 prints, drawings, paintings, and murals.

The New York City Graphic Division
Printmaking was considered a commercial medium, and was not a popular choice for fine art. The New York City Graphic Division changed this perception. Artists innovated new carving and printing methods that produced lithographs, woodcuts, and silkscreens with depth and modeling. Their prints looked like drawings and paintings, elevating the medium to fine art.

New York City printmakers also became advocates of the democratic potential of the medium. A print can be reproduced indefinitely, yet each print is an original work of art. With good distribution, they argued, art could reach the masses. The New York City Graphic Division was inspired to produce 125,000 prints from 5,500 original plates, more than all other Federal Art Project printmakers nationwide.

Mindy Krazmien, Exhibitions Manager


Ann Nooney, Staten Island Street

For additional information regarding the
Great Depression and New Deal artwork
visit our web site
PAINTING FOR PROGRESS

 

New Deal, New York has been extended. You can view the exhibition until December 23, 2005.

 
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