PRESS RELEASE

October 10, 2001

Historical New Deal Murals Is Fall Feature at the Janice Mason Art Museum

 

    CADIZ, Ky. -  If art or history is something you enjoy, then don’t miss this fall event at The Janice Mason Art Museum in Cadiz, Kentucky.  Beginning October 19 through November 24 the Museum will present the exhibit, New Deal Murals In Kentucky Post Offices. 

    The New Deal Murals In Kentucky Post Offices is an exhibit of photographic murals depicting original painted murals commissioned by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and placed on the walls of Kentucky Post Offices.  The photographic murals are provided by the University of Louisville.

    During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the United States government subsidized art programs with the primary goal of providing jobs for unemployed artists.  These large- scale murals provide scenes of local history and daily life in Kentucky.  Historical events depicted include the battle of Blue Licks, the last major battle of the American Revolution in which Daniel Boone’s son, Israel, was killed.  A mural that was done for the Princeton, Caldwell County Post Office in 1939 depicts a tobacco field and tobacco-working methods.

    “This exhibit is a remarkable window on Kentucky history, capturing images of events, industries, and commerce,” stated Karen Clement, Board President of the Janice Mason Art Museum.  “It is especially meaningful to me since my stepfather worked with one of the artists represented in this show.” 

    Following World War II, many of these painted works were ignored, neglected or even destroyed as Americans turned their eyes to the hopeful future and away from the troubled past.  This exhibition, circulated by the University of Louisville, is an effort to record, preserve and appreciate these remarkable paintings.

    The exhibit will be open for viewing Friday, October 19.  “I encourage everyone to take time for this unique opportunity to learn about or reflect on our state’s history through the eyes of these gifted artists,” said Dr. Martha Davis, Museum Administrative Assistant.  “It is also fitting that the Museum is housed in a renovated historical post office built under the WPA.”

    The Janice Mason Art Museum is a non-profit organization located at 71 Main Street.  For more information about the exhibit, the museum, or to schedule a group tour call 522-9056 between the hours of 10 and 4 Monday through Saturday, 1 till 4 on Sunday, and closed on Wednesdays. You may also get more information by visiting our web site at www.jmam.org.

 

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