The town of Fairfield, Conn., recently revealed a treasure of a mural originally commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. In the 1930s, the post office was part of the Treasury, and 1 percent of its cost had to go to the arts.
“It was a unique program,” said Ellen Hyde Phillips, a member of the Fairfield Arts Advisory Committee. “But it was not a relief program.”
As the art was installed in local post offices, postmasters would often demand that the artist make changes to the mural.
“They might see a chicken that was not exactly like the ones in their town and the artists would change them,” Phillips said. “Obviously, the postmaster had a lot of power.”
http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Brush-with-history-Postal-mural-delivered-to-4337762.php.
The people of Fairfield continue to investigate whether there are any other artworks from this same period that can be restored and displayed in town.
“We hope that this new addition to the history of Fairfield will be one of many cultural enhancements to Fairfield.,” First Selectman Michael Tetreau said.
Have your own chance to be a part of history by enrolling in a class on mural painting. Murals can become a part of a building, wall, or city. Learning how to paint the style of art can be a great way to make your mark on the community. Classes will investigate different artistic themes and styles and help students decide what will work best in a space for a mural.