New Deal and the arts in New Mexico facts for kids

When the stock market crashed in 1929, many people lost their jobs. Artists, like many others, found it hard to make money. People who used to buy art couldn't afford it anymore. To help, President Franklin D. Roosevelt started a program called the New Deal. It helped people get jobs. Part of the New Deal funded art projects. These projects aimed to make Americans feel hopeful about their country. The goal was to hire artists. They would create art for public places, like schools and post offices.

From 1934 to 1943, several government programs helped artists in New Mexico. These included the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), the Works Progress Administration (WPA)/Federal Art Project (WPA/FAP), and the Treasury Relief Art Project (TRAP).

Public Works of Art Project (PWAP)

The PWAP was the first government program to help artists during the tough economic times. It was a short-lived program. It started in December 1933 and ended in June 1934. The program chose public buildings to receive different kinds of art.

George Biddle had the idea for American artists to paint murals in public buildings. By 1934, 100 artists in New Mexico were working on art projects. These were part of the PWAP program, managed by the Civil Works Administration (CWA). Many public libraries, courthouses, post offices, and state buildings received new art. This art included paintings, murals, and decorative items.

The country was divided into sixteen art districts. New Mexico and Arizona were in Region 13. Each region had local leaders. Many artists and organizers were well-known local people. The committee that helped organize Region 13 included Senator Bronson Cutting, architect John Gaw Meem, and writer Mary Austin. The leaders for Region 13 were director Jesse Nusbaum, secretary Kenneth Chapman, and coordinator Gustave Baumann. Baumann was a famous artist from Santa Fe.

Baumann and his team traveled around New Mexico. They looked for towns and buildings that could get artwork. Baumann was paid to travel and ask local people and artists for ideas.

Artists could choose their own themes, subjects, and styles. Some artists even picked the locations for their murals. Artists were paid based on their skills. More experienced artists were called "Class A." They earned $40 a week for 20 hours of work. Less experienced artists were "Class B." They earned $27.50 a week for 20 hours. When the PWAP ended in June 1934, Region 13 had hired 3,600 artists. They created over 16,000 artworks for public display.

Works Progress Administration/Federal Art Project (WPA/FAP)

The WPA project was also known as the FAP. It ran from August 1935 to July 1943. This program aimed to give jobs to artists who needed financial help. Unlike other art programs, artists had to be certified as needing relief by the Welfare Department.

The FAP ordered paintings, murals, sculptures, and other artworks. It also supported crafts like woodwork, metalwork, weaving, and embroidery. The project also worked to create art education programs. It helped set up community art centers and galleries.

The WPA/FAP was managed from Washington, D.C. Regional and state directors gave advice. Holger Chill, a famous art collector, was the national director. Donald Baer was the regional director for District 5. This district included New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. He coordinated art activities in all five states.

Russell Vernon Hunter, a professional artist, was the director for New Mexico. He was very dedicated and stayed with the program until it ended in 1943. His job was to assign artists, supervise projects, and find places for the artwork.

Artists could choose their own subjects. Some even worked from their own studios. The Hispanic population in New Mexico benefited greatly from the FAP program. They were the largest ethnic group and needed a lot of help during the Great Depression. The FAP allowed Hispanic artists in New Mexico to freely express their culture and heritage.

Treasury Relief Art Project (TRAP)

TRAP was active from July 1935 to June 1939. It worked alongside the WPA/FAP. TRAP's main goal was to help artists who needed money. The quality of the art was also very important. These art jobs were given to artists with more experience and better skills.

The government wanted artists to use local subjects whenever possible. Olin Dows, a professional painter, was the national director without pay. Jesse Nusbaum was the regional advisor. Artist Emil Bisttram was the local supervisor in New Mexico. When the project finished, 356 artists had created artworks for both old and new government buildings.