Library tour showcases art of the Depression

Artist Carl Hallsthammar works on a wood carving now displayed in the Library of the Health Sciences Federal Art Project exhibit. Photo: National Archives and Records Administration Still Pictures Branch

See art treasures of the west campus in a free exhibit and tour sponsored Friday by the UIC Library of the Health Sciences.

The program features works created through the Federal Art Project, a Depression-era government-sponsored art program that was part of the Works Progress Administration.

“The event will draw attention to an assortment of historically significant artwork from the Federal Art Project that still remains in the medical campus,” said Kevin O’Brien, assistant access services and Special Collections librarian.

The tour, 2 to 3 p.m., is part of Chicago Open Archives, a series of activities open to the public at more than 20 local research centers and cultural institutions.

Chicago artist Rainey Bennett led the Illinois Art Project based at the medical center, which transformed the College of Medicine’s West Tower into a studio for artists to create the works still found on campus today.

The art exhibit and tour is hosted by the library’s Special Collections and University Archives. Advance registration is required.