1936-1941
American Artists’ Congress and
Exhibition of the Municipal Art Committee Exhibits
In response to the growing labor movement in New York City during the Great Depression and concerns about the spread of fascism in Europe, some artist’s art began to critique social issues. In November 1929, these liberal-minded writers and artists formed the John Reed Club. In February 1936, members of the John Reed Club organized the American Artists’ Congress “Anti-War, Anti-Fascism, and the Defense of Culture” as its slogan. By 1941, the American Artists’ Congress held 22 exhibitions including an annual exhibition and special shows.
VISIT Exhibition 1936-1940
June 1936
The First Competitive
Exhibition organized by the
American Artists’ Congress
September 1937
Exhibition of Asian Artists Excluded from the WPA
December 1937
Exhibition of In Defense of World Democracy:
Dedicated to the People of Spain
June 1938
New York Municipal Art Association Exhibition
1937, 1938 First and Second Annual Exhibition of the American Artists' Congress
1939
The Third Annual Exhibition of the American Artists' Congress
