Correspondence with Henry Glintenkamp
1933-1934
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This correspondence file is part of a series retained as an example of regional correspondence of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) with artists, relating primarily to administrative details.
PWAP sought to provide relief to artists, support the creation of quality works of art, and ornament government buildings. Regional PWAP committees evaluated artists on a variety of criteria (not just one’s need), and paid them an average wage of $34 a week (equal to nearly $700 today). The focus of works was the “American Scene,” though artists were given the freedom to interpret.
Many works focused on landscapes throughout the nation, scenes of workers and cities, and other similar topics. Though PWAP was only in existence for six short months, it employed 3,749 artists and commissioned 15,663 works at a cost of just over a million dollars. Its success paved the way for future New Deal arts programs (namely, the Federal Art Project and the Section of Painting
and Sculpture) that employed thousands more.
The correspondence files of PWAP’s New York Committee, the most active region, list nearly 700 artists that it had employed—among them Henry Glintenkamp.
PWAP sought to provide relief to artists, support the creation of quality works of art, and ornament government buildings. Regional PWAP committees evaluated artists on a variety of criteria (not just one’s need), and paid them an average wage of $34 a week (equal to nearly $700 today). The focus of works was the “American Scene,” though artists were given the freedom to interpret.
Many works focused on landscapes throughout the nation, scenes of workers and cities, and other similar topics. Though PWAP was only in existence for six short months, it employed 3,749 artists and commissioned 15,663 works at a cost of just over a million dollars. Its success paved the way for future New Deal arts programs (namely, the Federal Art Project and the Section of Painting
and Sculpture) that employed thousands more.
The correspondence files of PWAP’s New York Committee, the most active region, list nearly 700 artists that it had employed—among them Henry Glintenkamp.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Public Buildings Service.
National Archives Identifier: 23907213
Full Citation: Correspondence with Henry Glintenkamp; 1933-1934; Records of the Public Buildings Service, Record Group 121. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/correspondence-with-henry-glintenkamp, April 29, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
