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.
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
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.
- Architecture -- New Mexico -- Pictorial works
- Art -- New Mexico -- Pictorial works
- Art -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Pictorial works
- Art -- United States -- Pictorial works
- Artists -- United States -- Pictorial works
- Hopkins, Harry L. (Harry Lloyd), 1890-1946
- Indians of North America -- Pictorial works
- Martinez, Julian, -1943
- Meem, John Gaw, 1894-1983
- Mural painting and decoration -- United States -- Pictorial works
- Nusbaum, Jesse L. (Jesse Logan), 1887-1975
- Photographs
- Politicians -- United States -- Pictorial works
- Public art -- Pictorial works
- United States. Work Projects Administration
- 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
cswrref@unm.edu
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
cswrref@unm.edu