Western’s Past Is A “Work of Art”

In the 1930s, Americans faced a time of doubt, uncertainty and financial ruin during the Great Depression. Many individuals lost their jobs and had no source of financial stability. During this time of low employment, artists and musicians had little opportunity for work bringing a very literal meaning to the term “starving artist.”

It was also during this time that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the “New Deal,” a series of programs to help revive the Depression era economy. A few of these programs, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) and the Federal Art Project (FAP) focused on the employment of thousands of construction, arts, drama and literary enthusiasts and the production of many works of art.

Recently, Western’s Division of Advancement and Public Services and the University Art Gallery discovered an art treasure from this era. This piece is from the PWAP and FAP programs. According to John Graham, Curator of Exhibits at the University Art Gallery, during this time period, University President, Walter P. Morgan, and University Art Chairman, Polly Pottle, selected works of art for the University. “President Morgan was very hands on for New Deal projects,” Graham said. The programs, from the “New Deal,” also provided money to build Simpkins Hall.

A particular painting of a river landscape in autumn, by artist Ellsworth Young, held particular interest to the University. In 1934, the painting was commissioned by President Morgan to be hung above the fireplace mantel in Monroe Hall (later known as Grote Hall) and would hang there for nearly 60 years until Grote was closed and demolished in 1991. After the closing of Grote, the painting was rolled up and put away in the Art Gallery for storage.

When Brad Bainter became the Vice President for Advancement and Public Services in 2010, he began looking at pieces stored in the Art Gallery to restore, frame and hang in various campus buildings. Some are hanging in his office, but the Young painting held a “tremendous historical significance.” The painting was unrolled and sent to the Chicago Conservation Center to be refurbished, a process which took more than six weeks.

This untitled Ellsworth Young painting now resides in the University's Alumni House. While the painting is currently on display on an easel, the University has hopes that it will be hung above the Alumni House's fireplace in the near future.

The piece arrived back to Western just in time for Homecoming weekend. With the significance behind the piece and no Grote Hall to hang it in, Bainter had to decide where to place the painting. One choice seemed to stand out. “The Alumni House seemed like the best spot,” he said. “We donated it as a gift.” Graham adds, “It is just put on an easel for temporary display. We look forward to framing and installing it above the mantel at the House.”

While this piece and others, such as Young’s “La Salle Street Bridge,” have been hung in Bainter’s office, both Graham and Bainter add that there are many more works to be utilized. “We will keep looking into pieces to frame,” Bainter said.

Graham is pleased with the generosity of the University to preserve its significant pieces of art. “I am extremely grateful for the interest and support shown by Brad Bainter and the University Foundation in the preservation and restoration of this painting,” Graham said. “It is a gallant effort in preserving our past and artistic heritage.”

To see more pieces from the WPA collection, you can visit http://www.wiu.edu/art/gallery/collection/wpa/pages/wpa_intro.htm or contact Graham at the Art Gallery at (309) 298-1587 or by e-mail at jr-graham@wiu.edu.