The "Puerto Rican Community Education Posters: 1947-1990," on view for free through May 22 at Open Square, were designed to help Puerto Ricans transition from an agrarian to a modern industrial society.
The Holyoke Public Library Puerto Rican Cultural Project Committee is presenting "Puerto Rican Community Education Posters: 1947-1990" in a free exhibit at Open Square through May 22. HOLYOKE - In conjunction with the Holyoke City Points of View program events, the Holyoke Public Library's Puerto Rican Cultural Project Committee will exhibit "Puerto Rican Community Education Posters: 1947-1990."
These noteworthy works of art have become national treasures. A selection of the posters bearing the Division of Community Education collection signature will be showcased through May 22 at Open Square, Mill 4, fourth floor. Admission is free. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After World War II, a decade of experience with New Deal programs brought Puerto Rico on its way to becoming a modern industrial society. Art was placed at the center of a public education campaign aimed at teaching the rural population about community self-reliance, democracy, public health, education, conflict resolution and an appreciation of Puerto Rico's cultural traditions.
Artists, writers and filmmakers joined the social experiment, by writing popular books, filming movies, creating posters and a variety of educational programs. Stateside artists and writers including Robert Gwathney, Edwin Rosskam, and Jack and Irene Delano joined Puerto Rican artists including Lorenzo Homar, Julio Rosado del Valle, Rafael Tufino, Eduardo Vera Cortes and Jose Melendez Contreras. Together they produced a heritage of graphic art pieces, considered among the best in America.
The mission of the Puerto Rican Cultural Project is to serve the cultural needs of the Puerto Rican community in Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley and to build bridges between this community and all national groups in the region by fostering the knowledge and enjoyment of a common history and cultural experience.
For further information, visit prcultproj.blogspot.com or visit the Puerto Rican Cultural Project on Facebook.