WPA Anthony Velonis

a portrait of velonis, created during 1930s.

velonis began working federal wpa in 1935. kept position until 1936 or 1938, @ point began working in graphic art division of federal art project, led. under various elements of wpa program, many young artists, writers , actors gained employment helped them survive during depression, contributing works created artistic legacy country.

when interviewed in december 1994 library of congress time in wpa, velonis reflected had enjoyed period, saying liked excitement , meeting other artists different points of view. said in later interview contact , dialogue artists , work took place invaluable. among young artists hired edmond casarella, later developed innovative technique using layered cardboard woodcuts.

velonis introduced silkscreen printing poster division of wpa. recalled in 1965 interview:

suggested poster division lot more productive , useful if had auxiliary screen printing project worked along them. , apparently favorably received...

as member of federal art project, subdivision of wpa, velonis later approached public use of arts committee (puac) in propagandizing art in parks, in subways, et cetera. since federal art project not self-promoting, outside organization required advertise art more extensively. during employment federal art project, velonis created 9 silkscreen posters federal government.

around 1937-1939 velonis wrote pamphlet titled technical problems of artist: technique of silkscreen process, distributed art centers run wpa around country. considered influential in encouraging artists try relatively inexpensive technique , stimulated printmaking across country.

in 1939, velonis founded creative printmakers group, along 3 others, including hyman warsager. printed both own works , of other artists in facility. considered important silkscreen shop of period.

the next year, velonis founded national serigraph society. started out relatively small commercial projects, such rather fancy christmas cards sold many of upscale fifth avenue shops dollar apiece.

in 1940 velonis founded ceraglass company, silkscreening firm intended experiment silkscreen prints on glass , plastic. on time, company grew , completed larger-scale works organizations such metropolitan museum of art, tiffany s, , now-defunct hyperion press. eventually, such outreach led expansion glass industry. using enamels, velonis able print on flat bottles in fashion similar printing on paper; company later patented method of printing on both sides of flat bottle. while beginning minor side project, new method of glass printing successful. company recorded profits of $25,000 in first year alone, taking in new direction:

, rationalized whole thing saying, well, devil, life nothing round of cocktail parties , manoeuvering , paranoia of pushing yourself, , -- let s honest, heck it, let s paint when feel , feel it, without commercial intent @ all; , let s make our money otherwise.