I don't normally outright copy someone's words, but the link I found for information on the history of our local post office mural in Lake Geneva was so well written that I'll just paste the best part in and if you want to read a little more you can follow the link to the National Postal Museum's website.
Throughout the United States—on post office walls large and small—are scenes reflecting America's history and way of life. Post offices built in the 1930s during Roosevelt's New Deal were decorated with enduring images of the "American scene."
In the 1930s, as America continued to struggle with the effects of the depression, the federal government searched for solutions to provide work for all Americans, including artists. During this time government-created agencies supported the arts in unprecedented ways. As Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt's relief administrator said in response to criticism of federal support for the arts, "[artists] have got to eat just like other people."
Often mistaken for WPA art, post office murals were actually executed by artists working for the Section of Fine Arts. Commonly known as "the Section," it was established in 1934 and administered by the Procurement Division of the Treasury Department. Headed by Edward Bruce, a former lawyer, businessman, and artist, the Section's main function was to select art of high quality to decorate public buildings—if the funding was available. By providing decoration in public buildings, the art was made accessible to all people. Post offices were located in virtually every community and available for viewing by all postal patrons—which made post office murals a truly democratic art form.
In the 1930s, as America continued to struggle with the effects of the depression, the federal government searched for solutions to provide work for all Americans, including artists. During this time government-created agencies supported the arts in unprecedented ways. As Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt's relief administrator said in response to criticism of federal support for the arts, "[artists] have got to eat just like other people."
Often mistaken for WPA art, post office murals were actually executed by artists working for the Section of Fine Arts. Commonly known as "the Section," it was established in 1934 and administered by the Procurement Division of the Treasury Department. Headed by Edward Bruce, a former lawyer, businessman, and artist, the Section's main function was to select art of high quality to decorate public buildings—if the funding was available. By providing decoration in public buildings, the art was made accessible to all people. Post offices were located in virtually every community and available for viewing by all postal patrons—which made post office murals a truly democratic art form.
We have a few post office murals still scattered around Wisconsin and they have been added to my travel list. The list is my own little treasure hunt which at this point includes murals, post office murals, art deco buildings, presidential museums, Peter Toth’s Whispering Giants, vintage diners and the sculptures of John Lopez in South Dakota. What’s on your treasure hunting list?
Don't forget to check out the other murals I'm linking up to for Mural Monday!
Only every went into one Post office in the US but never noticed a mural
ReplyDeleteThat is nicely done - glad it has lasted so long!
ReplyDeleteLovely mural ... I like how the snow has drifted up in piles. I have been unable to participate in the Monday Mural meme for a couple of weeks, but hope to pick it up again now that we've left NOLA.
ReplyDeleteReminds me a bit of some of Grant Wood's lithos from the period. Is that a signature in the lower right corner? To me "WPA" art is just short-hand for government sponsored art projects. Didn't know about the SFA. I appreciate the matter of fact and non-apologetic response of Mr. Hopkins. Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.
ReplyDeleteThat mural is astounding. So much to say about such a poignant piece!
ReplyDeleteStarted following your site, follow back my Coachella travel blog sometime soon :)
How interesting. I wonder how many post office murals are left. I don't think I've ever seen one in our travels.
ReplyDelete