1930s Iowa WPA Federal Art Project Screenprinted Ephemera (6pcs) Des Moines, &c. For Sale

Please study the photos for the best description of condition.
A grouping of six original multi-color screenprinted pieces produced under the Iowa division of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, circa 1935–1942. The pieces are printed in flat matte silkscreen inks on period cardstock and paper stocks, consistent with WPA workshop production methods of the late 1930s.
No date, but a local historian may be able to date at least one of the items based upon the "First Anniversary" of the Community Art Center at 122 East Third, Ottumwa, Iowa.
Inventory —

1. Community Art Center – First Anniversary
“Community Art Center – First Anniversary”
122 East Third, Ottumwa, Iowa.
Multi-color silkscreen in green, yellow, and brown on brown cardstock.
Bi-fold (printed on front only).
Measures 10.5 x 7.5 inches (folded).

A strong example of WPA-era regional graphic design, part of the broader Federal Art Project initiative to establish community art centers throughout the United States.

2. Housekeeping Aide – WPA
“Housekeeping Aide – WPA.”
Printed in purple, red, and yellow on white paper.
Bi-fold; chimney smoke design continues to rear panel; interior blank.
Measures 8.25 x 5 inches (folded).

Likely produced as part of WPA public outreach or social services programming, reflecting the broader scope of New Deal community initiatives.

3–4. Arnold Pyle Exhibition – Des Moines Public Library Gallery (2 copies)
“Arnold Pyle – An Iowa Art Program presentation of artists not employed on WPA.”
Des Moines Public Library Gallery.
February 1 – March 1.
White and dark blue ink on brown cardstock.
Single-sided.
Each measures 11.5 x 6 inches.

Notably documents an Iowa Art Program exhibition explicitly featuring artists not employed under WPA, reflecting the program’s curatorial and cultural leadership role within the region.

5–6. Index of American Design – Iowa Art Program WPA (2 copies)
“Index of American Design in Iowa.”
White, dark blue, and red inks on brown cardstock.
Single-sided.
Each measures 8 x 10 inches.

These pieces reference the Index of American Design, one of the Federal Art Project’s most significant national undertakings (1935–1942), dedicated to documenting American decorative and folk arts.

Historical Context: The Works Progress Administration (1935–1943), through Federal Project No. 1, established the Federal Art Project to employ artists and expand public access to the arts. Iowa maintained an active and well-organized regional program, with exhibition venues represented here including Des Moines and Ottumwa.

These pieces reflect the dissemination of federally sponsored art programming into Midwestern community institutions and libraries/

Condition:Very good overall.

• Subtle age toning consistent with period materials.

• Anniversary piece shows a slight tidemark along the fold.

• Housekeeping Aide example moderately tanned.

• Minor corner bumps and light edge wear throughout.

• No major losses, repairs, or structural defects noted.

Clean, stable, and highly presentable examples.

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Items will be packaged very securely and shipped promptly.
Thanks for looking!!

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