WPA Painting Collection
The Greater Fall River Art Association has on permanent exhibit an impressive collection of paintings. This collection represents work by regional artists produced in the 1936 as part of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, a federal program to create work for artists during the Great Depression. Murals, canvases and sculptures were made to decorate post offices, schools and other public buildings, executed for little money but with great pride. Many of these works have been destroyed or stolen over the years and GFRAA considers it an honor to be custodian of part of this national treasure. Our impressive collection of over 50 paintings is located on the second floor gallery at 80 Belmont Street. Our collection has been widely viewed by the public at local venues and is on view for those visiting the art association. Arrangements can be made for groups wishing to learn more about the WPA to visit. Email the GFRAA for more information on the WPA collection.
Pictured below from left to right: "Arrangement #2 " by Edward L. Devlin 1936; "Rooftops" by Arthur Esner 1936
MINNA KENLER 1913-2005 (Minna De Zorett)
Fine Art Collection
The Greater Fall River Art Association has another impressive collection of fine art by Minna (Wolf) Kenler on permanent exhibit in our second floor gallery. As a long time member of our association her work is appreciated for variation of technique and subject matter representing an artist's life work.
Born in New York City she lived in Fall River for 21 years. She received a BS from the Massachusetts School of Art in 1934 and was a graduate student at the Rhode Island School of Design. Mrs. Kenler was Supervisor of Art Education in Taunton and conducted workshops at the Willimantic Teachers College in Connecticut. She most enjoyed painting in watercolors, oils and pastels.
When her eyesight began to fail her in her later years, she turned to collage. In 2005, at 92, at an exhibit in which she participated at the GFRAA, she commented on her work: "It's just what I love best and what I am capable of doing," she stated, looking back on a long and successful career as a visual artist.
Many of the art works are available for purchase. Please stop by during our gallery hours or make an appointment with our curator, Sheila Oliveira.
Collage by Minna Kenler
