Public Art in Knox County, Illinois

In the 1930s, amid the Great Depression, artists were motivated to search for both national and personal identity through a federal New Deal program, the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Between 1934 and 1943, the Treasury Department of Painting and Sculpture commissioned art works for over 1,100 post offices across the country. Commissions were awarded on the basis of regional competitions. Artists had to consult with local citizens in the choice of subject matter. The mural pictured above, "Breaking The Prairie -- Log City-1837," 1938, in the Galesburg Post Office and the terra cotta relief, "Post Rider," 1941, in Abingdon are excellent examples of WPA-funded projects.

In 1965 the federal government again showed its support for public art and artists. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was created. Among the NEA's many programs is Art in Public Places. Communities can request matching funds for commissions of large outdoor art works.

"Shield of Akhilleus," 1976, is an example of a joint venture of local art organizations and a citizens' committee joining with the NEA and the Illinois Arts Council to fund a monumental, abstract sculpture for a central downtown Galesburg plaza.

Today Public Art is often funded by corporations and private businesses. "Unity," 1994, was commissioned by the Galesburg-based Blick Art Materials. It towers high on a prominent point on the lawn of the home office.

Other works are created by individual artists and "donated" to the public. "Tranquility Place," begun in 1983 as "an experimental sculpture garden" in Oneida is a creative example.

New works appear every year. From churches to cemeteries, from libraries to restaurants, murals and sculptures enhance public spaces. When viewed as a whole, the art works communicate the cultural and civic history of a vibrant West Central Illinois art community.

Made possible through a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council and the sponsorship of the Galesburg Civic Art Center Project Director and Researcher: Paulette Thenhaus Website Design & Photography: Norm Winick Illinois Humanities Council and The Galesburg Civic Art Center are not liable for the content of this website. Direct questions or comments related to this website to the Galesburg Civic Art Center at info@galesburgarts.org Galesburg Civic Art Center 114 E. Main St. Galesburg, IL 61401 309/342-7415 www.galesburgarts.org	Public Art in Knox County, Illinois A century of Murals and Sculptures In the 1930s, amid the Great Depression, artists were motivated to search for both national and personal identity through a federal New Deal program, the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Between 1934 and 1943, the Treasury Department of Painting and Sculpture commissioned art works for over 1,100 post offices across the country. Commissions were awarded on the basis of regional competitions. Artists had to consult with local citizens in the choice of subject matter. The mural pictured above, "Breaking The Prairie -- Log City-1837," 1938, in the Galesburg Post Office and the terra cotta relief, "Post Rider," 1941, in Abingdon are excellent examples of WPA-funded projects. In 1965 the federal government again showed its support for public art and artists. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was created. Among the NEA's many programs is Art in Public Places. Communities can request matching funds for commissions of large outdoor art works. "Shield of Akhilleus," 1976, is an example of a joint venture of local art organizations and a citizens' committee joining with the NEA and the Illinois Arts Council to fund a monumental, abstract sculpture for a central downtown Galesburg plaza. Today Public Art is often funded by corporations and private businesses. "Unity," 1994, was commissioned by the Galesburg-based Blick Art Materials. It towers high on a prominent point on the lawn of the home office. Other works are created by individual artists and "donated" to the public. "Tranquility Place," begun in 1983 as "an experimental sculpture garden" in Oneida is a creative example. New works appear every year. From churches to cemeteries, from libraries to restaurants, murals and sculptures enhance public spaces. When viewed as a whole, the art works communicate the cultural and civic history of a vibrant West Central Illinois art community. -- Paulette Thenhaus