Christian Petersen Art Museum
Campbell Gallery
August 26–December 20, 2024
Artists of an Era delves into the rich heritage and historical significance of art from the 1930s and 1940s, providing a comprehensive exploration of Iowa State campus visual culture and art produced under the federal Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) and Works Progress Administration (WPA), administered through the Treasury Department. During this transformative era, the U.S. government employed thousands of artists for public projects, creating a new model for the artist’s role in society and fostering unprecedented aesthetic innovation made possible by the program’s financial support.
Led by President Raymond Hughes, Iowa State took advantage of these programs that brought Grant Wood, Christian Petersen, among other artists to Iowa State to create murals across campus. Furthermore, this exhibition reexamines the contributions of women in the arts at Iowa State, offering valuable insights into their artistic practice and enduring legacy. Figures like Zenobia Brumbaugh Ness emerge as pivotal influences in the development of the Iowa State art patronage and arts curriculum. Through this multifaceted exploration, the exhibition seeks to illuminate not only the historical context but also the lasting imprint of these artistic endeavors.
Exhibition Programs
Find full descriptions of programs on the University Museums Calendar. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Click the event title for more information and/or to register. Events listed below will be at the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Campbell Gallery (1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa) unless otherwise noted. Times are Central Standard Time (CST). Programs are subject to change. Check the University Museums Calendar and Facebook page for the latest events information.
Coming soon!
Visit the Christian Petersen Art Museum
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday and University holidays & breaks
Click here to see when the museums are closed.
Address: 1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa
Admission: The cost is free; however, there is a suggested donation of $8.
This exhibition is curated and organized by University Museums. Support was given by Warren & Bev Madden, Jim & Marcia Borel, Renate Dellman, Jim & Diane Patton, the Howell Fund for Education, and University Museums Membership.
Shucking Corn, 1938
John Vincent Bloom
Pencil and colored pencil on brown paper
Purchased with funds provided from the Estate of Ann and George Wilhelm, the Gerald and Karen Kolschowsky Foundation, and Iowa State University’s Business and Finance Division.
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