Events & Exhibits

Documenting and Presenting the Posters of the WPA
(U.S. Works Progress Administration 1936 -1943)

EVENTS & EXHIBITS

Contact us here to inquire about our traveling exhibits and community engagement events.

Upcoming Exhibit & Events

CELEBRATING THE CREATION OF FREEDOM
Honoring Black artists & designers from the Harlem Renaissance, to the WPA, to Today!
Online Discussion and Q & A
Friday, June 18, 2021 (replay on Juneteenth, June 19, 2021)
3 - 4:30pm EST

Tammi Lawson - Curator of the Art and Artifacts Division, NYPL/Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Monna Morton - Designer, Professor of Advertising & Design at UArts, & Creative Director, Social Impact Studios
Ennis Carter - Curator & Author, Posters for the People: Art of the WPA & Director, Social Impact Studios

Celebrate Junteenth by joining co-hosts Posters for the People, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - New York Public Library, and Monna Morton Design for a panel discussion honoring and exploring Black artists and designers in Harlem who, through their vision and innovation gained inclusion in the WPA, and went on to serve as a model for the rest of the nation. This celebration will look through the lens of the WPA and Harlem Renaissance era, and bring in the voices of contemporary designers to connect the legacy to today. During this moment in history, of a national recovery from the pandemic and the ongoing experience of Black creative workers, we will discuss how to practice craft in impactful ways.

Join Event on Zoom

Past Exhibits & Events

Seeing America, Then & Now: Showcasing Natural Treasures through Posters
Online Event & Virtual Exhibit
Thurs, April 22, 2021 (Earth Day!)
6 - 7:30pm EST

Join co-hosts Posters for the People, Creative Action Network, Ranger Doug Leen, and Little Chair Printing for a panel discussion and virtual exhibit of posters created to showcase natural treasures in the U.S. From WPA posters made in the 1930s, to National Park Posters created to celebrate public parks, to modern interpretations of posters that promote the "Green New Deal," art and artists have created powerful imagery that highlights the importance of our environment, natural resources, and dedication to open spaces in this county.

Watch video here
Visit exhibit here

WPA 2.0: Envisioning a New Era of Public Arts Funding

In conjunction with the “Places for the People” exhibit at Carpenters’ Hall, which features travel posters of iconic Philadelphia landmarks that were commissioned in the 1930s by the WPA’s Federal Art Project, Jane Golden from Mural Arts Philadelphia moderates a virtual panel discussion on how the WPA could serve as a model for sustained public investment in our nation’s cultural infrastructure, one that responds to the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the nation’s renewed commitment to social justice and equity. Panelists include Carlton Turner, founder of the Mississippi Center for Cultural Production and co-founder of the Cultural New Deal for Cultural and Racial Justice; Raquel de Anda of the United States Department of Arts & Culture and the People’s WPA; and Ennis Carter, curator and author of Posters for the People: Art of the WPA and director of Social Impact Studios. This event was made possible by McCormick Taylor.

"Places for the People" Exhibit at Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia

Read the Metro article here.

First West Coast Exhibit!
Jan 31 - Feb 9, 2020
MutMuz Gallery, Los Angeles

Join MutMuz Gallery for an exhibit of original WPA posters from the 1930s & 40s that promoted public programs, shared values and everyday American culture. Many in the exhibit have not been on public display for more than 80 years.

From the collections of Henry Vizcarra, Ennis Carter & Posters for the People.

OPENING NIGHT
Friday, January 31, 2020 • 5:00 pm
WPA Poster exhibit/talk with Ennis Carter, curator & author of Posters for the People

New Deal Film Festival
January 31 - February 9, 2020
See WPA film footage & New Deal propaganda

Hands-On Screenprinting Workshop
Saturday, February 1st • Saturday, February 8th
12pm - 4pm

Read Media Alert here

Posters for the People at Cabrini University Grace & Joseph Gorevin Fine Arts Gallery

Ennis Carter gives an "offering" to students of self-directed education model Philly ALC School, 2018

Posters for the People at Peters Valley School of Craft inside Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 2016/2017

FDR Four Freedoms Park Community Book Talk & Silkscreen Printing Workshop Spring 2015
Read more here.

Posters for The People Gallery Opening Party on Oct 25, 2014

Posters for the People now has a permanent home! When the exhibit isn't on the road, you can see originals, reproductions and the New Deal film festival here. Books and reproductions available too. Get more info & hours here.

Silkscreen Printing Workshop FDR Library Hyde Park NY Spring 2014