'WPA Murals of the New Deal, Part 1: American Regionalism' Webinar

Between 1933 and 1939, President Roosevelt enacted a series of public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations dubbed the New Deal to help the United States get out of the Great Depression. One of those programs — the Works Progress Administration (WPA) — helped put struggling American artists back to work through the creation of thousands of public art works, most notably murals, that celebrated the country's history and achievement. What's the story behind some of these unique works of art and how did they spread courage and optimism throughout the country? It's time to uncover the many murals that helped define a new wave of American art, many of which can still be appreciated today.

Join New York Adventure Club for a four-part series that explores the complexity and lasting relevance of WPA murals throughout the United States, which not only inspired workers and encouraged community involvement during the country's darkest days, but also showcased the power of mural art and public art in general. In Part One: American Regionalism, we'll take a closer look at the program's beginnings and different branches of the WPA/ Federal Arts Programs (FAP), along with its connection to the artistic styles of American Regionalism and Social Realism.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this art-centric virtual journey will feature:

• The background and context of the Depression Era murals
• The surprisingly influential role that Mexican Muralists had on the U.S. art scene
• The people and institutions supporting the mural program, like Holger Cahill and MoMA
• A focus on the artists who best represented the era's artistic styles of American Scene and Social Realism
• A discussion around murals in major government buildings like the Ellis Island Administration Building and the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House
• A look at murals in select post offices, schools, and libraries

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about WPA murals are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week after the entire series concludes!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.

WPA Murals of the New Deal Series

Part 1: American Regionalism (Thursday, January 2)

Part 2: Changing Perspectives (Thursday, January 9)

Part 3: Pioneering Abstraction (Thursday, January 16)

Part 4: 1939 World‘s Fair (Thursday, January 23)

Testimonials

"Sylvia is amazing! She is an encyclopedia of knowledge. Fascinating American history depicted in the murals, plus access to beautiful architecture. Had no idea the WPA was so vast in scope…architecture, art, photography, etc." -Christine

"The speaker is very knowledgeable and has clearly done a lot of research" -Marsha

"Great information, good presentation with excellent visuals. All in all, a very interesting presentation on a subject that I am interested in. I look forward to the next 3 on this same topic (WPA murals)." -Carol

"Images were excellent. Lots of new (to me) info. about the extent and variety of WPA murals. Good historical context on the roots of mural painting movement." -Fern

"Simply an excellent presentation on the subject with good intro material for the multi-part series and even appreciate the 'extra' time taken for the presentation even if it did cut q&a shorter -- presentation itself was simply excellent" -Leon

"Excellent history and breadth. Thank you for great programming." -Kit

"Nobody does our presentation like Sylvia Laudien – Meo. She gives such thorough history and social influences. Her photos are spectacular as they illustrate her teaching. Expensive & panoramic. I have a much better understanding of the WPA murals and similar ones of the era. Great webinar. I also want to note that she is very thoughtful on bringing the depictions to contemporary understanding such as the native Americans that have been so wrongly treated for so long." -Sharon

"Many interesting examples of mural art." -Cathy

"Learning so much" -Carol

"I love the presenter and the subject" -Laura

"Very much appreciated the background context provided to the "art" works" -Leon

"The subject was of great interest to me." -Bruce

"Chock full of insight, art history, mural comparisons, examples." -Iris

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Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

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