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  • Quay County Courthouse Mural - Tucumcari NM
    The historic Quay County Courthouse in Tucumcari, New Mexico houses an example of New Deal artwork: "I, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, Have Passed This Way and Left my Mark," a 9' x 15' mural created by Ben Carlton Mead. The work was likely commissioned by the Federal Art Project, though further confirmation of the commissioning agency is requested.  
  • Queens Borough Public Library, Astoria Branch Murals - Queens NY
    The Astoria branch of the Queens Borough Public Library received a series of murals as well as accompanying sculptures under the Works Progress Administration (WPA)'s Federal Art Project. "here was no controversy about the playful mural commissioned in 1938 for the children's reading room of the Queens Borough Astoria branch, which celebrated the centennial of its building last year. Painted by Max Spivak (1906-81), an artist little known today, the mural, depicting whimsical circus and opera puppets, was originally done in five parts. But three have been lost, as have all of the original polychromed figures, by the sculptor Eugenie Gershoy,...
  • Raleigh Art Center - Raleigh NC
    The Raleigh Art Center, an initiative of the Federal Art Project, was a Works Progress Administration initiative to promote a culture of art in North Carolina and is the direct predecessor of what is today the North Carolina Museum of Art. It was first and foremost a specific space at 413 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh’s main street, sandwiched between a hotel and a Chinese laundromat in a formerly vacant store, opposite the Hotel Sir Walter Raleigh, the most prestigious social space in town. Sponsored jointly by the City of Raleigh, North Carolina Art Society, Chamber of Commerce, State Historical Commission, and...
  • Raton Museum - Raton NM
    The Raton Museum houses a substantial collection of W.P.A.-sponsored artwork by way of the Federal Art Project (F.A.P.), in addition to a mural that had been created for the former post office in Raton. Photos of the F.A.P. works are not permitted.
  • Ravinia School Mural - Highland Park IL
    Mildred Waltrip painted the two-panel, oil-on-canvas mural "Robin Hood" (each panel measuring 5'3" x 6'11") in 1940 for the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. "Two murals commissioned by the WPA, placed above the twin wooden benches of a niche or inglenook, bracket the entryway into the main building of the hundred-year-old Tudor-style school building. They illustrate episodes from the life of Robin Hood, the legendary English outlaw and popular hero who was said to have been born about 1160. Interwoven among the medieval figures in the first mural are descriptive captions: 'Merry Men of Robin Hood; Richard ye Lion-Hearted, King...
  • Recorder of Deeds Building: Portraits - Washington DC
    In 1936, three WPA artists—Henry Wadsworth Moore, Velma Buckner, and Alan Flavelle—painted portraits of 11 former Washington, DC Recorders of Deeds, for placement in the Recorders’ office space at 412 D Street NW.  When the new Recorder of Deeds Building was constructed in 1941-1943, at 515 D Street NW (and funded by the New Deal’s Public Works Administration), the portraits were moved there. The current location(s) of these portraits is unknown to the Living New Deal, but they could still be in the 515 D Street NW building (the building has been closed to the public for many years, after the...
  • Redlands Historical Museum Murals - Redlands CA
    Arnold Brasz created four wood parquetry murals depicting the "History of Redlands" by theme: "Hispanics," "Orchard," "Pioneers" and "Harvesting." The murals were created in 1940 with funding from the WPA Federal Art Project. They are located in the Redlands Historical Museum.
  • Resiliency Preparatory School Murals - Fall River MA
    The city of Fall River was originally home to the Wampanoag Native American tribe, but this group was displaced relatively rapidly in the 1600s with the establishment of colonies in modern day Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The city of Fall River grew during the colonial era, but reached its heyday in the 1800s with the expansion of the textile industry. The fast moving Quequechan River provided an excellent source of water power that helped the city to become known as the "Queen City of the Cotton Industry" in the United States. This rich history was the inspiration for the...
  • Richmond County Courthouse: Axel Horn Murals - Staten Island NY
    The Richmond County courts are home to two set of murals, one by Axel Horn, a New York-based artist, and another by Charles Davis, an African American artist based in Chicago.  The murals were painted in 1937-38 under the auspices of the Federal Arts Project. There are five murals by Horn, painted with egg tempera on gessoed masonite, 114" x 60" each.  The overall title is Economic Pursuits of the Early American Settlers. The murals have have been moved several times.  They were originally installed in a large workshop  for the benefit of the indigent residents at the Farm Colony,  which was across the road from...
  • Richmond County Courthouse: Charles Davis Murals - Staten Island NY
    The Richmond County courts are home to two set of murals, one by Axel Horn, a New York-based artist, and another by Charles Davis, an African American artist based in Chicago.  The murals were painted in 1937-38 under the auspices of the Federal Arts Project. There are six murals by Davis, in egg tempura on Masonite panels. Davis titled his murals The Progress of American Industry, with the following themes: Railroad Builders Lumbering Agriculture Mining Steel Workers Bridge Builders The murals have have been moved several times.  They were originally installed in a large workshop  for the benefit of the indigent residents at the Farm Colony,  which...
  • Richmond Hill Public Library Mural - Richmond Hill NY
    In 1936 Philip Evergood completed a 160-foot mural entitled "The Story of Richmond Hill," with funds provided by the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) Federal Art Project. "The left and lighter side of the mural celebrates the bucolic pleasures of Queens, with citizens making merry (couples dancing in the park), The right and darker side depicts less rosy conditions in the heart of the metropolis (laborers and children). A middle section shows planners and dreamers. The mural is displayed over bookcases in the main reading room." (loc.gov)
  • Riker's Island Library Mural (missing) - East Elmhurst NY
    "Beginning in 1936, Alland supervised the Photo-Mural Section of the Federal Art Project. He installed photo-murals at the Newark Public Library (1936) and at the Riker's Island Penitentiary library (1937)."   (https://dlib.nyu.edu) The Riker's Island mural, entitled "Approach to Manhattan" was designed specifically for the prison. As Alland's submission statement explained: "The subject of this photomural utilizes the familiar aspects of the normal and happy family in the City. The main purpose of this decoration, besides that of relieving the monotony and changing the aspects of a huge prison hall, into a livable library, where those prisoners who have gained the privilege through...
  • Rikers Island WPA Murals - East Elmhurst NY
    "Ben Shahn's WPA mural planned for the Rikers Island Penitentiary mess hall was rejected in 1935, the year the prison opened. Harold Lehman's WPA mural "Man's Daily Bread" was mounted there instead circa 1936 but was removed decades later. Thus in a sense, both the planned Shahn mural and the actual Lehman mural could be counted as two murals "missing" in Rikers Island Penitentiary WPA art history. Considerably worse for wear but not missing is a third Rikers Island Penitentiary WPA mural: Anton Refregier's "Home and the Family." Its presence enhances the historic landmark character of NYC's oldest structure in continuous correction-related use. In 1937...
  • Riverside Park: Grant's Tomb Sculptures - New York NY
    A great number of improvements to the General Grant National Memorial ("Grant's Tomb") were undertaken by the WPA between 1935 and 1939. As the National Park Service's David Kahn (1980) explains: "In 1938 the Federal Art Project selected artists William Mues and Jeno Juszko to design the busts of William T. Sherman, Phillip H. Sheridan, George H. Thomas, James B. McPherson, and Edward Ord. The WPA installed five busts in the circular wall of the atrium surrounding the sarcophagi. After the many contributions of the WPA, the Grant Monument Association held a re-dedication of the tomb on April 27, 1939." The Riverside...
  • Robert E. Peary Middle School: Kende Painting - Gardena CA
    In 1936, artist Geza Kende completed an oil on canvas painting titled "Melon Field" for Robert E. Peary Middle School (formerly Gardena High School) in Gardena, CA. Located in Stephan Hall, the painting depicts a farmhouse behind rows of growing melons, with mountains in the distance. Two labels are affixed to the reverse: a label indicating that the painting had been renovated by Rash Gallery; and a label with the artist's name, title, numbered: “#13,” and inscribed: “Federal Art Project.” Stamped on the reverse of the stretcher: “Duncan Vail Co., 730 South Hill St., Los Angeles.” Kende was a Hungarian-born portrait and...
  • Robert E. Peary Middle School: Van Halle Painting - Gardena CA
    In 1939, artist Francis J. Van Halle completed an oil on canvas painting titled "Chrysanthemums" for Robert E. Peary Middle School (formerly Gardena High School) in Gardena, CA. Located in Stephan Hall, the painting depicts a vase of chrysanthemums on a stone ledge against a brown background. It is framed in a painted and gilt frame measuring 37.25 x 23.5 inches. A partial paper label is affixed to the reverse with artist’s name, title, numbered “#44” and inscribed “Federal Art Proj.”
  • Robert E. Peary Middle School: Yeckley Painting - Gardena CA
    In 1935, artist Norman Yeckley completed an oil on canvas painting titled "Deserted Rancho Landscape" for Robert E. Peary Middle School (formerly Gardena High School) in Gardena, CA. Located in Stephan Hall, the painting depicts a ramshackle adobe building in front of purple mountains. Affixed to the reverse are a label indicating that the painting was renovated by Rash Gallery and an artist’s label with the artist’s name, title and inscribed: “Reed. 7-12-35/WPA Art Project.” It is framed in a gilded frame measuring 27.5 x 33 inches.
  • Rockland Psychiatric Center: Children's Ward (abandoned) Murals - Orangeburg NY
    The abandoned children's ward of the Rockland Psychiatric Center received New Deal artwork commissioned under the auspices of the WPA—mostly likely the Federal Art Project. The works were created by Victor Pedrotti Trent. According to Abandoned NYC, some of the murals are extensively damaged, while others are still in fine condition.
  • Rodgers Hall Mural - Las Vegas NM
    Lloyd Moylan completed this fresco mural, entitled "The Dissemination of Education in New Mexico," in 1938 with funds provided by Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. It is viewable on the main stairwell and second floor of Rodgers Hall, the administration building for New Mexico Highlands University.
  • Rogers Middle School Mural - Long Beach CA
    This mural, "Deep Sea Magic," by Oklahoma artist Olinka Hrdy was painted in 1939 and funded by the WPA Federal Art Project (FAP). It is composed of two panels, each measuring 6' x 19', and is currently located in the foyer of Will Rogers Middle School. "The artist’s signature and 'Federal Art Project WPA; is written in the corner.... The mural depicts an underwater scene of marine life motifs. The background is a bluegreen sea with sea creatures, plants, and fish painted in a flat style with fine lines and detailing. One door (not original) is located on each wall...
  • Roosevelt Middle School: Pool Murals - San Francisco CA
    Two 5' x 20' murals "Land" and "Harvest" by Nelson Pool were painted for the Roosevelt Middle School lobby with funding from the WPA Federal Art Project.
  • Roosevelt Middle School: Walker Mural - San Francisco CA
    This 5' x 25' oil on canvas mural "Education" by George Wilson Walker was funded by the WPA Federal Art Project. It is on the second floor over the entrance to the auditorium balcony.
  • Roswell Museum and Art Center - Roswell NM
    "The Roswell Museum and Art Center was founded in 1935 through an agreement between the City of Roswell, Works Progress Administration (WPA), Federal Art Project (FAP), Chaves County Archaeological and Historical Society, and the Roswell Friends of Art. The Museum opened in 1937, deriving its initial support from the WPA as part of a Depression era project to promote public art centers nationwide. Today, the Roswell Museum and Art Center is among a handful of these Federal Art Centers that remain in operation. In its proposed plan, the WPA established that 'the root of the community art center idea is...
  • Rowayton Library Mural - Norwalk CT
    "Packet Day at the Five Mile River" was painted by George Avison in 1937 with funding from the WPA Federal Art Project. It was restored circa 1986. The mural is located at the Rowayton Community Center and Library.
  • Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle School: Reiffel Painting - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
    In 1937, artist Charles Reiffel completed an oil painting titled "Across the Bay" for Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle School (formerly Dodson Junior High School) in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Located in the administration office, the painting depicts a view of (possibly) San Diego harbor with Mt. Soledad in the distance. It is framed in a bleached wood frame measuring 48 x 36 inches. A small brass plate affixed to the frame reads: "Federal Art Project."
  • Ruth Home Mural (former) – El Monte CA
    In 1937, Frank H. Bowers and Arthur W. Prunier painted a 2,000 square foot mural at the former Ruth Home in El Monte, CA. They received funding from the Federal Art Project (FAP). The Pacific Protective Society's Ruth Home provided housing, treatment, and schooling to girls and babies infected with gonorrhea. Bowers' and Prunier's mural, which depicts a beauty salon, was located in a school and arts & crafts building on the fifteen-acre campus. It is presumed lost. Bowers and Prunier also collaborated on a pair of FAP murals at City Hall in South Gate, CA.
  • Ryerson School Mural - Chicago IL
    The two 6' x 8' panels of this mural "Discovery of America" by Irene Bianucci. They were completed with WPA Federal Art Project funds in 1940 and restored in 1997.
  • Sacramento City College Mural - Sacramento CA
    "Importance of Education in Sacramento" by Ralph Stackpole was painted in 1937 with support from the WPA Federal Art Project. "San Francisco painter and sculptor Ralph Stackpole was among the artists who created on the federal dime. He spent the summer of 1937 painting a mural on plaster in the lobby of the auditorium at Sacramento Junior College on Freeport Boulevard, since renamed Sacramento City College. Stackpole's mural depicts people engaged in various forms of work, such as designing an airplane and farming." (https://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/02/03/61368/senates-stimulus-bill-is-nothing.html#ixzz0rpxez4CQ) The mural is 30' x 10' tempera on plaster.
  • Samuel Gompers High School (former) Mural (painted over) - Bronx NY
    The former Samuel Gompers High School building in the Bronx contains a 1936 fresco by Eric Mose entitled "Power." It was presumably done under the auspices of the WPA's Federal Arts Project. The mural was located in the library on the third floor, but was painted over in the 1980s. The former Samuel Gompers High School now houses several smaller schools of the NY Public Schools
  • Samuel Tilden High School Mural - Brooklyn NY
    "The WPA would make another addition to the Samuel J. Tilden High School, this time in the form of a mural for the auditorium. The project took nearly two years to complete, as muralist Abraham Lishinsky, working with his colleague Irving A. Block, designed and painted a 2,400-square-foot mural depicting “Major Influences in Civilization” for the auditorium. Among the six assistants they employed over time was the artist Abram "Al" Lerner."
  • San Bernardino High School Mural - San Bernardino CA
    The three panels of this oil-on-canvas mural "Mormon Saw Mill" were painted by Rex Brandt with FAP funds.
  • San Diego History Center: Reiffel Murals - San Diego CA
    These two 10' x 20' murals "San Diego Harbor" and "San Diego Back Country" by Charles Reiffel were originally installed in the Russ Auditorium at San Diego High School. They were painted in 1936 under the auspices of the WPA Federal Art Project.
  • San Francisco City Hall Photo Mural - San Francisco CA
    This photo montage mural by Benjamin Cunningham hangs in the City Treasurer's Office. It was funded by the WPA's Federal Art Project in 1938.
  • San Francisco State University Sculptures - San Francisco CA
    Two granite sculptures by Beniamino Bufano decorate the San Francisco State University campus. The "Head of St. Francis" stands in the main quadrangle near the walkway between the Business and Student Centers. The 4' sculpture of a male torso is in the courtyard between the HHS and Business buildings.
  • San Francisco Zoo, Mothers Building Mosaics - San Francisco CA
    Sisters Helen, Margaret and Esther Bruton created two mosaics for the exterior of the San Francisco Zoo's Mothers Building in 1934. The mosaics depict "Children and Their Animal Friends" and "St. Francis."  
  • San Francisco Zoo, Mothers Building Murals - San Francisco CA
    Murals by Dorothy Pucinelli and Helen Forbes adorn the interior of the Mothers Building at the SF Zoo which was originally built in 1925 as a refuge for mothers and their children. Pucinelli and Forbes used egg tempera to paint a four panel mural illustrating "Noah and his Ark-the Waters Subsiding and Renewal." The murals were painted in 1938 with Federal Art Project funds. From 1978 to 2002, the building served as the Zoo's gift shop, however the murals are currently deteriorating and, pending more funds for restoration, the building is only used for occasional events.
  • San Geronimo Valley Community Center Rural Landscape Mural - San Geronimo CA
    This 8 x 17 foot mural of the West Marin landscape was restored during 2003-2005 and is now protected by a glass case.    
  • San Pedro High School: Comfort Murals - San Pedro CA
    This series of nine oil-on-canvas murals, collectively titled "Industrial Life in San Pedro," by Federal Art Project (FAP) artist Tyrone Comfort is located in the library at San Pedro High School in San Pedro, CA. Completed in 1937, the nine murals are "Hauling the Cargo," "Fisherman in Port," "The Riveters," "Refinery Maintenance," "Opening the Valves," "The Propeller Crew," "Loading the Harvest," "Construction Workers," and "The Drillers." They were restored and preserved by the Los Angeles Unified School District Historic Schools Investment Fund in 2008. Comfort's other FAP works in the region include two murals, "Printing" and "Science and Industry" (1936), at John...
  • San Pedro High School: Dickinson Mural - San Pedro CA
    In 1937, Ross Dickinson completed a four-panel mural at San Pedro High School in San Pedro, CA. He received funding from the Federal Art Project (FAP). Dickinson's other New Deal works—all in Los Angeles, CA—include two murals, “A Valley in California” and “Mankind’s Achievements" (1934), at George Washington Preparatory High School; a pair of tile mosaics (1936) at Thomas Starr King Middle School; and a mural, “History of the Recorded Word” (1937), at Thomas Jefferson High School. Also located at San Pedro High School is a series of murals by FAP artist Tyrone Comfort. Titled "Industrial Life in San Pedro," these murals...
  • San Rafael High School Sculpture - San Rafael CA
    "Abstract full-length portrait of Louis Pasteur. The red granite figure wears a cape and belt of stainless steel. The cape is decorated with twenty-two stainless steel round buttons. The sculpture stands on a concrete pedestal base." "The sculpture was created as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project, and the school paid $300 for materials. It was originally in a glade by the school's art building, but around 1959 was knocked down by vandals and the figure's nose was damaged. The sculpture was reinstalled in a landscaped area by the school's Science building. In September 1969, the artist attempted to remove the...
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