Customer Reviews

The Texas Post Office Murals: Art for the People (Joe and Betty Moore Texas Art Series)

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You know the old saying, "One Man's Meat Is Another Man's Poison." Well, one man's art, in the case of surrealism, abstractionism, and a number of other forms, may be another man's anathema. However, it's a good bet to say that this collection of post office murals found in Texas holds every man's art.

These murals began during FDR's New Deal program that mandated a public relief program to provide jobs for unemployed artists. These artists were hired to create and paint murals in federal buildings throughout our country. This mandate was two fold - to provide the artist's with an income and to provide Depression weary Americans with objects offering hope and inspiration.

In this collection by Philip Parisi one finds 100 full-color paintings discovered in 69 Texas post offices. Subjects of the paintings are varied, ranging from Sam Houston to Quanah Parker, from cowboys to Longhorns, from pioneers to industry. Artist represented included such well known names as Tom Lea, Jerry Bywaters and Alexandre Hogue.

More than works of art these murals represent our history.

- Gail Cooke

Read this book. Enjoy the beautiful images. Laugh at the local bureaucrats who didn't understand the value of decorating their Post Office with visual images of our history. Remember the Post Office when it was efficient and relevant.

Gave this as a gift, and it was well received. Recommend it for anyone who grew up in Texas, particularly smaller towns where they would be more likely to recognize the art in their local Post Office.

During the Great Depression, FDR and the Works Project Administration provided employment for artists by having them decorate public spaces in big cities and small towns. The "Texas Post Office Murals" project brought art to people who otherwise would never have seen it. The project also provided work and income to artists who otherwise would have been idle. This book is an interesting look at an interesting project.