A look at WPA era Poster Art

1. Digital Illustration

2. What does WPA stand for? Works Progress Administration

3. What was the WPA? Part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal 1936-1943 Designed to publicize health and safety programs cultural programs including art exhibitions, theatrical, and musical performances travel and tourism educational programs community activities

4. Why did America need the New Deal? The Great Depression which began with the stock market crash of October 28, 1929

5. What did the WPA do? Put some 8.5 million people to work (over 11 million were unemployed in 1934) At a cost to the federal government of approximately 11 billion dollars The agency's construction projects produced more than 650,000 miles (1,046,000 km) of roads 125,000 public buildings 75,000 bridges 8,000 parks 800 airports The Federal Arts Project, Federal Writers' Project, and Federal Theater Project—all under WPA aegis—employed thousands of artists, writers, and actors in such cultural programs as the creation of art work for public buildings, the documentation of local life, and the organization of community theatres. The WPA also sponsored the National Youth Administration, which sought part-time jobs for young people.

6. How would you describe the use of color? http://www.theretrovert.com/cgi-bin/cpshop.cgi?i=wpa14_po/the_retrovert.84975421

7. 51st annual exhibition - American painting and sculpture. 1940. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-3739.

8. How would you describe the subject matter? John is not really dull - he may only need his eyes examined. [1936 or 1937]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-5332.

9. http://www.theretrovert.com/cgi-bin/cpshop.cgi?i=wpa14_po/the_retrovert.84970245/-/2

10. Is there use of texture? Low rent - Woodhill Homes, 2567 Woodhill Road. Earl Schuler. [between 1936 and 1940]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-5660.

11. Techniques used on the Posters Silkscreen Woodcut Lithographs

12. East side, West side exhibition of photographs. Anthony Velonis. 1938. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-6179 DLC.

14. Visit the zoo - Philadelphia. [between 1936 and 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-1885.

17. How would you describe the use of typography? See America : Welcome to Montana / R. Halls. Richard Halls. [between 1936 and 1938]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-4240.

18. See America / Dux. Alexander Dux. [between 1936 and 1939]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-4243.

19. http://www.theretrovert.com/cgi-bin/cpshop.cgi?i=wpa14_po/the_retrovert.84966942/-/2

20. In March read the books you've always meant to read. [between 1936 and 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-5175.

21. Airplane mechanics course. Blanche L. Anish. 1937. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-1095.

22. This is the market where the storekeeper buys the food and brings it to his store near your house. [1936 or 1937]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-999.

23. National letter writing week, Oct. 1-7 : That letter will be appreciated. [between 1936 and 1940]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-855.

24. Final barber shop quartet contest presented by Park Department on the Mall, Central Park Sept. 10, 8:15 p.m. Jack Rivolta. [1936]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-5154.

25. Annual farm and home week. 1941. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-3742.

26. January--A year of good reading ahead / Hazlett. [between 1936 and 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-5186.

27. The Works Progress Administration in Ohio presents the Federal Theatre for youth in "A Christmas Carol". [between 1936 and 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-3737.

28. No enemy sub will dare lift its eye if you lend your Zeiss or Bausch & Lomb binoculars to the Navy : pack carefully, include your name and address : send to Naval Observatory Washington D.C. [between 1941 and 1943]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-5161.

29. Are you helping? with salvage. [between 1941 and 1943]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-1179.

30. Sew for victory / Pistchal. [between 1941 and 1943]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-5382.

31. Smoking stacks attract attacks : Don't invite disaster / PvP. Phil von Phul. [1940 or 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-5065.

32. Stamp 'em out : Buy U.S. stamps and bonds / T.A. Byrne. Thomas A. Byrne. [between 1941 and 1943]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC2-1142.

33. LC-USZC2-1002 DLC (color film copy slide)

34. Homework Stylistic Exercise #2: Research and execute the design for a WPA era poster illustration. In a short one-page design abstract outline six or more elements that set this style of Illustration apart from others. Execute an 11” x 17” Illustration using these elements to recreate the illustration style for a modern public works project. Due April 6th after Spring Break

35. Resources By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943 Search Google for WPA posters

36. Extra Credit Alphabet Illustration. 26 Letters of the Alphabet. Illustrate each one. Raise your grade up to 7 points.

37. Making it Happen… From the reading…