Exhibit features WPA-funded artwork found in Aurora
Back in 1933 in the depths of the Great Depression, the graduating class of West Aurora High School gave its alma mater a massive mural titled "The History of Writing and the Alphabet." Measuring 93 feet long and 6½ feet high, the mural depicted the development of written language from cave images to the linotype machine and Michigan Avenue as it appeared in the 1930s.
Eighty-two years later, a portion of that mural hangs in a new exhibit, "Art for the Public: Rediscovering WPA-era Artwork in Aurora." The exhibit features images and pieces of Works Progress Administration-funded art projects in the city displayed at the Aurora Public Arts Commission on the first-floor gallery of the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora.
"The History of Writing" mural was created by Chicago artist Paul Stoddard with partial funding from the WPA and the Class of 1933, which chose the artist and the subject. The mural was rescued from the now-demolished high school building at 14 Blackhawk St. The 12-foot portion on display is being restored by Aurora art conservator Scott Sherwood while funds are being raised to restore the rest.
Art funded by the WPA played a significant role in Aurora's history. Established by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the WPA is credited with helping to pull the nation out of the depths of the Depression by employing millions on public works projects, including thousands of artists, musicians, writers, actors and directors for fine arts projects. "Art for the Public" highlights some of the ongoing research, recent discoveries, and mysteries yet to be solved surrounding the artwork created in Aurora by WPA artists.
"Art for the Public" features images of many WPA murals that were created for Aurora, with a special focus on schools in the East and West Aurora school districts.
In addition to the Paul Stoddard mural, images of "Landing of the Pilgrims," a "lost" mural on canvas painted by Emmanuel Jacobson in 1937 in Freeman Elementary School, also will be on display. Curator Mary Ann Signorelli calls the mural "one of the most exciting discoveries" among Aurora's WPA artworks.
Armed only with an old photo of the mural, Signorelli and school staff searched the school but came up short, and the mural's whereabouts in the school were a mystery until fifth-grade teacher Faith Greising spotted some chipped paint and called Signorelli. Portions of the brightly colored mural were spotted above the drop ceiling, while everything below remains coated in several layers of paint.
Following the discovery, Greising said Freeman's staff and students were eager to restore the treasure hidden in their walls.
"There was tons of buzz and chatter, and, of course, this super-excited teacher telling them the story," Greising said. "They were really excited about the Freeman mystery! They want to fix it, restore it, and share it with everyone."
The exhibit will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays through Sept. 5. Admission is free. For information on the Aurora Public Art Commission, visit the city of Aurora's website at aurora-il.org.
Plans for the Paul Stoddard "The History of Writing" mural include future installation in a West Aurora Unit District 129 school. Those interested in supporting the restoration may contact CommunityFoundationFRV.org under the heading Foundation Funds/See All Funds/West Aurora Art Heritage.
• Mary Clark Ormond of the Aurora Historical Society contributed information about "The History of Writing" mural by Paul Stoddard.
If you go
What: "Art for the Public: Rediscovering WPA-era Artwork in Aurora"
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday through Sept. 5
Where: First-floor art gallery at Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora
Cost: Free; donation suggested
Info: (630) 256-3340