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Belisario Contreras Photograph Collection

 Collection
Identifier: PICT-000-486

Scope and Content

Photographs concerning government-sponsored art during the Depression era that were supported by the Work Projects Administration (WPA) and related organizations. Focuses on works of art, artists, art centers (in locations across the U.S., including New Mexico), art education, governmental officials and politicians involved in these public art projects. Murals are shown in various stages of production. Building projects, such as Memorial Tower in San Francisco and Timberline Lodge (a crafts center in Oregon), and easel paintings are included. Also in the collection, a group photo of Edward Bruce and the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) regional directors, taken in Washington, D.C.

This collection contains the works of many artists. Only a few such as Jacob Baker, Patrocinio Barela, Lucienne Bloch, Edward Bruce, Julian Martinez, Tony Martinez, John Gaw Meem, and Jesse L. Nussbaum have been indexed by name in this record.

Dates

  • 1930-1942

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for copyright compliance. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.

History

Between 1933 and 1942 the Roosevelt administration developed a number of different federal art programs. The Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), initiated by Edward Bruce, was administered by the Treasury Department and financed by relief funds from the Civil Works Administration (CWA). PWAP was an emergency measure that functioned only from December 1933 to January 1934. A second program, the Section of Painting and Sculpture, also established by Bruce within the Treasury Department, operated from October 1934 to June 1943. A third measure, the Treasury Relief Art Project (TRAP), organized by Bruce and funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), operated from July 1935 to June 1938. The fourth measure, the WPA Federal Art Project (WPA/FAP), established by administrator Harry L. Hopkins and directed by Holger Cahill, continued the federal program from September 1935 through May 1943.

Extent

1400 items (6 boxes) : 1400 photographic prints

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Photographs concerning government-sponsored art during the Depression era that were supported by the Work Projects Administration (WPA) and related organizations. Focuses on works of art, artists, art centers, art education, governmental officials, and politicians involved in these public art projects.

Arrangement

Prints are arranged alphabetically by artist's last name. At end of collection, by places, people, and unidentified.

Physical Location

B2. Shelved by Pictorial Number.

Separated Material

Photographs were separated from the Belisario R. Contreras Papers on New Deal Art.
Title
Finding Aid of the Belisario Contreras Photograph Collection, 1930-1942
Status
Completed
Author
Pictorial Collections Staff
Date
© 2007
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451