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Black Tuesday
On Black Tuesday, the stock market crashed, destroying the prosperous American economy. Stock prices dropped 12-13% of thier value. It is known to be the start of the Great Depression, however, this is a contraversy statement because the economy did not plummet until 1930 [6]. -
Bread Line- No One Has Starved
In 1932, Reginal Marsh created an etching, "Bread Line- No One Has Starved." This same year was when Hoover made his iconic quote "No one is actually starving."[3] Marsh used art to express her views of the Great Depression and the conditions that people had to live through. Reginald Marsh
1932
Etching -
Agricultural Adjustment Act
The Agricultural Adjustment Act was a program that raised farm prices by restricting production. In return for restricting production on their land, farmers received subsidies It's purpose was to create a balance between the supply and demand for farm items. Farmers were essentially paid not to plant crops [7]. -
Ploughing It Under
Thomas Hart Benton releases his oil painting "Ploughing it Under" alluding to the effects of the New Deal program, the Agricultural Adjustment Act that was created in 1933. In order to receive subsidies from the A.A.A., many farmers "plowed under" harvest [4]. -
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was a program created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The Great Depression caused millions to become unemployed. This program gave the unemployed jobs to complete public works such as schools and parks in return for financial assistance. 3 million out of 10 million were given jobs by the WPA [1]. A subdivision of the WPA known as the Federal Arts Project employed artists. -
Federal Art Project
The Federal Art Project was a subdivision of the WPA giving artists jobs. FAP artists created artworks, taught art classes. It helped thousands of artists and allowed them to create artwork depicting the American Scene, This was a short-lived program ending on June 30, 1943.The purpose of the FAP was not only to employ artists, but for people to enjoy art and get them more involved with the art community [2]. -
Coal Pickers
Riva Helfond created "Coal Pickers," a color lithograph, that depicts two women working in a coal mine to receive a wage. Riva was part of the Federal Art Project, not only creating prints, but also teaching printmaking to the public [5].