Art from the New Deal Era Featured in Dallas Athenaeum Exhibit

A University of Texas at Dallas professor has curated an exhibition called ‘New Deal Texas and the West’ at the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the New Deal. Notably, works by New Mexico artist Peter Hurd, including his murals ‘Pioneer Homebuilders’ and ‘Airmail Over Texas,’ are on display. The exhibit showcases around 75 artworks funded by the federal government during an era that significantly supported artists amid the Great Depression.

Dr. Erika Doss, who organized the exhibit, emphasized the importance of acknowledging how the New Deal was crucial to Texas during this turbulent time. The exhibit also presents various pieces, including prints from the Works Progress Administration, portraying public works created through federal relief efforts, which some visitors might find surprisingly informative. The exhibition is set to run through July 18.