Expo Festival 2008

In 2008 we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal presidency and his vision for a hopeful and strong America in the face of the Great Depression. Through the lens of the posters that were created to promote its programs, we showcased the history, the beauty, the values ... and the legacy of the Art of the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

BOOK LAUNCH
NEW DEAL FILM FESTIVAL
COMMUNITY-WIDE PRINT EXTRAVAGANZA
GALA EXPO CELEBRATION
FIELD DAY

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Authors, editors and publisher gathered for a book-launch and signing event.

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Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

A night of films made by New Deal filmmakers, newsreels and documentaries made about WPA artists. Curated by Andrew Ferrett

Highlights included:
"The Road is Open Again" 1933
"We Work Again" 1937
"The Fight for Life" 1940
"The Plow that Broke the Plains" 1936
"Power and the Land" 1940
"Work Pays America" 1936
"Artists At Work" - documentary about Federal Art Project Artists by Mary Lance

"Soul of a People" - sneak peek at new film by Spark Media on the Federal Writers' Project Newsreel footage - FDR speeches

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Philadelphia Neighborhoods (see below)

This citywide hands-on poster printing event was hosted in 6 locations throughout neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Silkscreening supplies were provided at each location for participants to print their favorite version of WPA-inspired posters designed by local artists.

Philadelphia Neighborhood Locations:

South
Murphy Recreation Center
4th & Shunk Streets

Center
Mural Arts Space
1729 Mt. Vernon Street

Whole Foods Roof
10th & South Streets

West
University City Arts League
4226 Spruce Street

North
FLUX Art Space
3000 North Hope Street

Holmesburg Recreation Center
Rhawn & Ditman

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Philadelphia City Hall Courtyard

In true EXPO style, we hosted a Gala Celebration that combines an arts & entertainment event with community information & education.

We enjoyed New Deal-era music, cabaret & shorts from Theatre production, dance performance, readings & comedy, food, speakers, and more. Local organizations that continue to represent the legacy of the New Deal programs shared their information with the public through presentations, info tables and other lively activities!

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FDR Park in South Philadelphia
Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street

Old-time Field Day activities and other community-focused events from the WPA-era at FDR park in South Philly!

• Field competitions
• Cook out
• Amateur contests
• Music
• Guided Hike

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