American Art Union: Making Art Appreciation Possible for Middle-Class Americans

Sometimes art can seem like it’s meant for those who are wealthy, or naturally artistic. It can feel inaccessible to the average Joe. When some folks think of art, they immediately think of the big names- Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, Monet- names that only museums can afford. However, there is an incredible wealth of art that deserves as much appreciation, if not more, than these. James Herring believed that to be true, and decided to create a way to share the art of these unsung heroes.

Following Europe’s Lead

In 1838, James Herring founded the Apollo Gallery as a way to showcase new American art. However, to help increase the distribution of art to the public, Herring changed the Apollo Gallery into the Apollo Association for the Promotion of Fine Arts in 1839. This subscription organization was modeled after the concept of the Art Union, which had begun in Switzerland and spread across Europe. As a member of an Art Union, one was required to pay a small membership fee in exchange for the chance to own and view new works of art. In 1840, Herring and the Apollo Association broke ties. The Apollo Association then adopted a name change to reflect its new identity- the American Art Union.

Subscribing to American Art

As a paying member of the American Art Union (AAU), one would receive a very large annual report, along with a copy of at least one engraving, specially commissioned for the members. There were 36 engravings commissioned and were the reason the AAU was so popular. Also, members would receive an entry into a lottery drawing for a work of art already purchased by the AAU. Some of these paintings were large, historical works, but most were smaller landscapes or genre pieces.

Art for All

The AAU maintained the belief held by George Godwin, co-founder of the Art Union of London, that art should be universally accessible to all. Through this belief, the AAU operated as a “Perpetual Free Gallery”, allowing members to enter the gallery for free and non-members to enter at a nominal charge.

The Big Impact on 19th Century American Art

By operating in this fashion, the AAU dominated the New York art market in the 1840s. In 1840, the AAU had 686 subscriptions, and by 1849, they had 19,000. Many of America’s premier artists sold large numbers of paintings to the AAU, giving them the recognition they desired. Quite a few of the engravings based off of these paintings still exist today.

In 1853, the AAU disbanded after a lengthy legal dispute with the International Art Union. Unfortunately, the AAU had become a victim of their own success, not realizing they had mistaken popularity for sustainability. However, this brief alliance between the artistic elite and the middle class brought a renewed appreciation for American art and gave many new artists a chance to shine.

Add to Your Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

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In 1933, the American economy was in utter turmoil. The Great Depression was raging after the stock market crash of 1929, and close to 25% of Americans were unemployed. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt took office, he immediately set to work. Roosevelt’s administration created “The New Deal” which developed programs to stabilize the nation, provide jobs, and supply relief for those who were suffering.

Created on May 6th, 1935, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was one such program that provided reprieve for American citizens. This program particularly piqued my interest because it included artists. Artists aren’t usually the first to benefit from unemployment plans. Thankfully, politicians like Harry Hopkins believed that everyone should be included in The New Deal programs. In Hopkins’ words, “Hell, they’ve got to eat just like other people!”

Reviving the Economy through Public Works of Art

Not long after the WPA began, the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) was up and running. As a division of the WPA, the PWAP produced pieces of art for government buildings across the country. These pieces were created by 3,749 artists, who not only had to wait in long lines outside government buildings but had to prove they were, indeed, professional artists. They were to be held to the same standards of public value and production as those performing physical labor. In order to be hired, each artist had to pass a test, giving them a ranking of “Level One Artist, Level Two Artist, or Laborer.”

After only 4 months, the artists had created 15,663 paintings, murals, prints, crafts and sculptures, netting a pretty nice income- a total of $1,184,000, or $75.59 per piece. Eventually, the PWAP dissolved and was replaced by the Federal Art Project (FAP).

Keeping the Luminaries Going

The FAP was a little more selective about who was hired to produce art. In fact, you may recognize a couple of the artists that created pieces for the FAP, namely Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. This particular program had a significantly bigger reach than the PWAP, employing over 5,000 artists and producing more than 225,000 pieces of art for the American people.

A Legacy that Inspires

Because of mismanagement and the ramping up of wartime employment, the Work Projects Administration was dissolved in 1943. While some of the art from that time is still around today, many pieces have been lost or stolen. The remaining few are now under the regulation of the General Services Administration (GSA). Most remain in the hands of private collectors, but some can be seen in government buildings or galleries across the country. If you’d like to visit a collection of WPA art, the Treasury Department has a wonderful compilation.

Even though the WPA had its critics, it also had its supporters. There is no denying the fact that it provided our nation with beautiful artwork, but also economic relief for the American people.

Add to Your Collection

If you are looking for the perfect piece to begin, or add to, your own art collection, visit our GALLERY. We have beautiful, original mid-century modern pieces by Raymond Loewy, Vincent Raney, and others.

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