tremblay.png
mccracken-2.png
x3219002454.png
istock_000009528303large.png

1934: A New Deal for Artists

September 18, 2010 — January 9, 2011

In 1934, Americans grappled with an economic situation that feels all too familiar today. Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the U.S. government created the Public Works of Art Project — the first federal government program to support the arts nationally. Artists who participated in the program, which lasted only six months from mid-December 1933 to June 1934, were encouraged to depict “the American Scene.” They painted recognizable subjects — from portraits to cityscapes and images of city life to landscapes and depictions of rural life — that reminded the public of quintessential American values such as hard work, community and optimism. These artworks, which were displayed in schools, libraries, post offices, museums and government buildings, vividly capture the realities and ideals of Depression-era America, and provided artists with a sense of pride in serving their country.

1934: A New Deal for Artists, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) by drawing on the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s unparalleled collection of vibrant paintings created for the program.

 

Show of Hands: Northwest Women Artists 1880-2010
April 24 - August 8, 2010

Show of Hands Takes In-depth Look at Northwest Women Artists
Exhibition coincides with centennial of women’s suffrage in Washington State

Featuring more than 90 works of art by 63 women artists from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, Show of Hands opens April 24 at the Whatcom Museum‟s Lightcatcher building. Celebrating women‟s contributions to the legacy of Northwest art, this unprecedented gathering of women artists examines the myriad talents women of the Northwest have displayed in all media since 1880.

Read more: Show of Hands
 

As part of the WESTAF Regional American Masters fund the Whatcom Museum has an opportunity to engage the public through an on-line social network site – NING.  The NING Network is a multidimensional experience.  In addition to viewing works of art and checking the events calendar, you are invited to participate in on-line discussions and forums. Join the conversation TODAY    http://showofhands.ning.com/