Upstate PAs Common Canvas A WVIA Production

Upstate PAs Common Canvas

Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Endless Mountains and the Pocono Mountains are known for their scenic beauty, hometown charm and abundant recreational destinations. The history of this region is tied to the industrial and economic history of America herself. Pennsylvanias lumber industry helped build Americas cities. Coal fueled her factories and heated her homes. The railroads brought goods and people together.

In times of economic hardship, Americans need to be reminded of the qualities, which make this country great; the virtues of hard work, pioneer spirit and the ability to take on new and exciting challenges.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew this. In the midst of the Great Depression, Roosevelts New Deal helped put millions of Americans back to work. In 1933, artists were called upon to do their part as well. They created works of art for government buildings, expressing in living monuments, Philadelphia artist George Biddle explained, the social ideals the New Deal was struggling to achieve.

These works of art were put on public display in communities across the country, but they didnt hang in galleries. They were on display at the post office. Each mural and sculpture reflected that towns own history and heritage. Eighty-eight such works of art were commissioned throughout Pennsylvania, the second-largest number of any state in the country.

Learn More, WVIA.org

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Entertainment

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• Upstate
• PAs
• Common
• Canvas
• WVIA
• Production