New Deal/WPA Art in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Post Office New Deal Artwork
Most of the Post Office works of art were funded through commissions under the Treasury Department's Section of Painting and Sculpture (later known as The Section of Fine Arts) and not the WPA.
"Often mistaken for WPA art, post office murals were actually executed by artists working for the Section of Fine Arts. Commonly known as "the Section," it was established in 1934 and administered by the Procurement Division of the Treasury Department. Headed by Edward Bruce, a former lawyer, businessman, and artist, the Section's main function was to select art of high quality to decorate public buildings if the funding was available. By providing decoration in public buildings, the art was made accessible to all people." from "Articles from EnRoute : Off The Wall: New Deal Post Office Murals" by Patricia Raynor
Unless indicated, works of art are located in the US Post Office building.
Certainly one of the more exotic locations for New Deal/WPA art is the US Post Office in Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands. |
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There are two murals installed in the lobby, both done by Stevan Dohanos in 1941. | |
"The Virgin Islands, U.S. - The Outer World Significance" | |
and "The Virgin Islands, U.S. - The Leisurely Native Tempo". Both are still extant and on public display. |
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Photographs courtesy of Mary Ann Duda |
All mural images depicted
on this site are used with permission
of the United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.
Source:
Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal
by Marlene Park & Gerald E. Markowitz
© 2006 Nancy Lorance
All Rights Reserved.