Arts Across the Nation: Eleanor and WPA Artists
With the development of the WPA arts programs, ordinary citizens from across the United States were involved in both the creation and viewing of works of art on a much broader national scale. In the Federal Arts Project, theatrical productions, musical performances, and writing projects amended the visual bias of the earlier projects. Eleanor sustained her involvement in these projects by her relationships with some of its prominent figures (like Hallie Flanagan) and her visits to WPA programs across the nation.
"Wall Hanging", Florence Kawa, circa 1930's, block print on fabric. Courtesy of Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum.
Handwork: Arts and Crafts Revisited
Florence Kawa produced this piece under the WPA Federal Art Project. Among Eleanor’s possessions at Val-Kill, this wall hanging probably hung among her various photographs, prints, and memorabilia which covered most of her walls. The piece depicts factory workers at machines, in a folk style unique to American art. The symbolism of WPA art often centered on scenes of workers participating in the progress of the nation.
The WPA arts projects emphasized craftwork and skill, much like Eleanor's earlier ideas realized in Val-Kill Industries. Across the nation, camps and centers produced decorative objects like this wall hanging, that the Roosevelts slowly accumulated in their private possessions.
Eleanor advocated for a form of public education that included thorough engagement with the arts, music, and literature. She believe that through analysis and interpretation, students could arrive at a more complex and fulfilling understanding of theirs lives, both private and public.
"Timberline Lodge", photographer unknown, undated. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum.
"Walker Art Center", photographer unknown, undated. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum.
"Painting the Role of the Immigrant", photographer unknown, undated. Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum.
Leslie Garland Bolling, "Statuette of Mrs. Roosevelt", 1940, wood sculpture.
Tributes and Dedications
The WPA arts programs broadened artist’s access to federal funding, particularly artists that did not work in monumental forms like mural painting or sculpture. This carved piece represents one of the countless tributes the Roosevelts received from such artists.
References
White, John Franklin. 1987. Art in action: American art centers and the New Deal. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press.
Taylor, Nick. 2008. American-made: the enduring legacy of the WPA : when FDR put the nation to work. New York: Bantam Book.
O'Connor, Francis V. 1973. Art for the millions: essays from the 1930s by artists and administrators of the WPA Federal Art Project. Greenwich, Conn: New York Graphic Society.
Parsons School of Design. 1977. New York City WPA art: then 1934-1943 and ... now 1960-1977. [New York]: NYC WPA Artists.