Art and Architecture | Government Book Talk

Captivating Posters from the NPS

March 29, 2024

The National Park Service (NPS) recently remastered its popular posters that bring the beauty of America’s national parks to life, showcasing stunning art by the iconic artist Charley Harper. Charley Harper was an American mid-century modern artist recognized for his bold, graphic style and nature illustrations. Harper created fascinating artwork for a series of ten posters for the National Park Service that captured the essence of different parks in America.

Here are a few of the National Park posters featuring Charley Harper’s artwork:

Glacier Bay, Alaska poster explores the abundance and variety of life inhabiting the Bay.

Canyon Country poster depicts the Canyon Country National Parks in southern Utah, northern Arizona, eastern Nevada, and western Colorado. Enjoy enchanted landscapes of colorful pinnacles, buttes, spires, mesas, and canyons teeming with wildlife.

The Coral Reef poster explores the abundance and variety of coral reef sea life inhabiting Caribbean reef preserves.

Plus, seven more amazing posters of enduring beauty are available here.

These iconic posters feature vivid colors, simplified shapes, and a whimsical depiction of the flora and fauna of each park. They continue to be popular today, celebrating the beauty and diversity of America’s national parks.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800. Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Art, Art and Architecture, Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Park Service | Tagged: Canyon Country, Canyon Country Poster, Charley Harper, Charley Harper Art, Coral Reef Poster, Galacier Bay Alaska, Glacier Bay poster, National Park Service, National Parks, national parks posters, The Coral Reef | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Gift ideas from the Federal Government

December 12, 2023

The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re still searching for that special gift, let the Federal government help. From national parks to American history and more, the Federal government offers stunning prints and wall posters that make great stocking stuffers for your loved ones, colleagues, or friends. Whether shopping for someone who appreciates the outdoors or looking for something educational to display in a child’s room, there is a poster for everyone on your Christmas list.

Tips for choosing a poster:

Consider the recipient’s interests. What are they passionate about? What kind of art do they like?
Choose a high-quality poster. The poster should be made from thick, durable paper and have high-quality printing.
Think about the size of the poster. The poster should be large enough to make a statement but not so large that it overwhelms the space.
Frame the poster. A framed poster looks more polished and professional.

Below are a few ideas for outdoor lovers available from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) U.S. Bookstore.

Atlantic Barrier Islands (Poster) is a National Park Service commissioned poster by famed nature artist Charley Harper. This poster is printed on heavy paper with the print quality of a lithograph.

Yosemite National Park (Poster). Looking down Yosemite Valley from west to east, an alpine panorama depicts Yosemite National Park’s wondrous rock forms, hanging valleys, waterfalls, lakes, and streams, with El Capitan and Half Dome forming the central spectacle with Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls.

A Photographer’s Path: Images of National Parks Near the Nation’s Capital is a stunning coffee table book with colorful photographic images of nature and history in Greater Washington DC.

We also offer American history posters for the history buff and much more here.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Art, Art and Architecture, Gifts, National Park Service, National Park Service, Teachers and teaching, Travel and Tourism | Tagged: American history posters, Atlantic Barrier Islands (Poster), Charley Harper posters, christmas gift ideas, gift ideas, national parks posters, poster gift ideas, posters, prints and wall posters, Yosemite National Park (Poster) | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate Arts and Humanities

October 19, 2023

National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is celebrated each October in the United States. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of the arts and humanities in our lives and communities. The arts and humanities encompass various disciplines, including music, dance, theater, literature, history, philosophy, and languages. They help us to understand ourselves and the world around us, to express ourselves creatively, and to connect with others.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers Humanities, a published by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a quarterly magazine that includes vivid and interesting descriptions of NEH-sponsored research in the humanities, NEH programs and projects, and issues related to the humanities in the United States. It also provides recent NEH grants, deadlines, and helpful information for applicants seeking funds.

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate NAHM:

Attend a free arts or humanities event in your community.
Visit a museum or art gallery.
See a play or musical.
Take a dance class or music lesson.
Read a book by an author from your community.
Learn about the history and culture of your community.
Support local arts and humanities organizations.

NAHM is a time to celebrate the power of the arts and humanities to inspire, educate, and entertain us. It is a time to show our support for the artists and scholars who create and preserve our culture. And it is a time to learn more about how the arts and humanities can enrich our lives.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Click here to purchase Humanities

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

Leave a Comment » | Art, Art and Architecture, Libraries, National Endowment for the Humanities | Tagged: Art, art and humanities, Arts and Humanities Month, Arts and the humanities, HUMANITIES, humanities magazine, NAHM, National Arts and Humanities Month, National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Humanities Magazine: A Focus on American Culture and the Arts

September 30, 2022

“The term ‘humanities’ includes, but is not limited to, the study and interpretation of the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archaeology; comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism, and theory of the arts; those aspects of the social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life.”–National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, 1965, as amended: https://www.neh.gov/about.

Humanities, published by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), is a quarterly magazine focusing on American culture and the arts by authors who have dedicated their lives to bringing us closer to our creativity and self-expression. It includes vivid and interesting descriptions of NEH- sponsored research in the humanities, NEH programs and projects, and issues related to the humanities in the United States. It also provides recent NEH grants, deadlines, and helpful information for applicants seeking funds. With interesting stories of literature, history, archaeology, comparative religion, philosophy, and language crafted by well-known authors across the spectrum of the Humanities, the magazine allows readers to become more aware of the world around them and recognize the positive impact of American culture and the arts.

This publication is an excellent resource for anyone involved in the arts and humanities.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Click here to purchase Humanities

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Leave a Comment » | Art, Art and Architecture, Libraries, National Endowment for the Humanities | Tagged: Arts and the humanities, HUMANITIES, humanities magazine, humanities magazine subscription, National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Publications for National Arts and Humanities Month

October 8, 2020

During the coronavirus pandemic, many people have turned to both making art and experiencing art to help reduce stress and to express their emotions during this unprecedented time. Whether we are listening to music, painting a picture, or reading a poem, art affects our daily lives and can bring us together.

October is National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM). This important event provides an opportunity for people across the Nation to recognize the importance of culture in America. According to Americans for the Arts, the month-long celebration focuses on equitable access to the arts, encouraging communities and people in those communities to participate in the arts, allowing Governments and businesses to show their support of the arts, and raising public awareness about the role of the arts and humanities.

Humanities, available at the GPO Bookstore,is a quarterly magazine published by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The magazine includes vivid and interesting descriptions of NEH- sponsored research in the humanities, NEH programs and projects, and issues related to the humanities in the United States. It also provides recent NEH grants, deadlines, and useful information for applicants seeking funds. This publication is great for anyone involved in the Arts and Humanities.

William Henry Jackson is best known as a pioneering photographer who captured the first images of Yellowstone, The Tetons, and Mesa Verde. After a lifetime devoted to photography, Jackson picked up a paintbrush when he was 90 years old, proving you’re never too old to try out a new hobby! He produced a series of detailed paintings that illustrated the American West. Jackson’s paintings were remarkable, especially considering he never had any formal training as an artist. Eye for History: The Paintings of William Henry Jackson from the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service is available at the GPO Bookstore.

Nature in itself is art, and many artists choose to capture the magnificent landscapes of our Nation. If you love both the outdoors and art, Treasured Landscapes: National Park Service Art Collections Tell America’s Stories from the GPO Bookstore is the perfect coffee table book for you. The publication includes works of art seen together for the first time to illustrate and tell the story of the National Park Service’s first 100 years. The pieces of art in the book showcase the diversity of the national parks and according to the National Park Service, “they reflect the critical role that landscape art played in the establishment of the National Park Service.” The book includes various types of art, including paintings, watercolors, sketches, and more. If you’ve found yourself with some extra time on your hands during quarantine, consider trying your hand at art – whether it be music, writing, drawing, dancing, or photography. You may be surprised just how much you enjoy it. Plus, homemade gifts can really help boost the spirit of a loved one who may have been particularly affected this year. Happy National Arts and Humanities Month from GPO!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Art, Art and Architecture, Smithsonian Institution | Tagged: humanities magazine, National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH, Smithsonian Institution, treasured landscapes, William Henry Jackson | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Nature Photography Day

June 12, 2019

Do you need some inspiration for your Instagram account? You’re in luck. June 15 is designated Nature Photography Day. According to the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), the day is meant to promote the enjoyment of nature photography, and to explain how images are used to advance the cause of conservation and protect plants, wildlife, and landscapes.

If you’re not sure what to take a picture of, flip through A Photographer’s Path from the Department of the Interior and National Park Service to get started. The book includes a collection of images from photographer Thomas Paradis that highlight nature and history in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, with photos from parks in Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Photographs of streamside ferns and queen snakes at Catoctin Mountain Park, dew drops on Magnolias at National Capital Parks – East, white trout lilies at George Washington Memorial Parkway, and a lone butterfly flying over a crowd of bur-marigolds, will leave you in awe of the elegant beauty of nature – and get you thinking about what you might want to capture. Is it the squirrel that scurries around your backyard, that waterfall you’ve been wanting to hike, or millions of stars twinkling on a clear night? This publication, in particular, takes you through trails, aquatic gardens, grasslands, tunnels, forts, streams, and forests, and would make the perfect coffee table book. The photos are part of the National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring program, which aims to communicate the significance of park natural resources. Check out the book for a full list of the 15 parks featured, then choose one to visit yourself!

Swallowtail perched on branch Manassas National Park, from A Photographer’s Path.

So you got a stunning nature shot that you’re really feeling good about? Post it to your favorite social media! You can also frame it and give it as an inexpensive gift to friends or family. Or, if you’re feeling extra creative, make a nature box. In it, keep your best photos, along with collected items like leaves, dandelions, twigs, seashells, or unique rocks you find as you go. If you have kids in your life, they will love helping out with a project like this.

The best part about Nature Photography Day is that you get to be in nature! Whether it be with kids, a grandparent, a friend, a significant other, a pet, or just yourself, make a day of exploring and studying flora and fauna. We want to hear from you! Where will you be heading this Nature Photography Day to capture the perfect shot? We hope to see you on June 15 in the great outdoors.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Click here to purchase A Photographer’s Path: Images of National Parks Near the Nation’s Capital
Check out our Environment & Nature resources collection!
Find more Portraits & Photographs, Posters, and Prints too!

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

2 Comments | Art, Art and Architecture, Award Winning Books, Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Park Service | Tagged: A Photographer’s Path, Monitoring program, nature photography, Nature Photography Day, North American Nature Photography Association, Photography, Thomas Paradis | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Discover U.S. National Park Service Posters

March 8, 2019

In the 1990s, National Park Service (NPS) commissioned Charley Harper, an American Modernist artist, to design 10 posters of wildlife. They wanted the art to capture the diversity of public lands in America; “from the lava flows of Hawaiian Volcanoes . . . to the icebergs of Glacier Bay, Alaska, . . . from the heights of the Rocky Mountains . . . to the depths of the Coral Reef.” Harper, an experienced traveler, drew inspiration from nature and used his unique style of minimal realism.

The poster with Hawaii’s volcanoes shows a typical volcanic eruption that destroys everything in its path but Harper also gives the audience multiple perspectives. Upon closer inspection, the art illustrates how life is created through a destructive force. The archipelago of Hawaii was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The image of Hawaii that we know of today is a lush, tropical island with volcanoes. The greenery is direct result of volcanic soil which is rich in nutrients. “[The soil] are light and fluffy, low density and have remarkable water-holding capacity.” Another view is that lava is flowing into the ocean thus creating more land. The island of Hawaii, also known as Big Island, is continually growing and providing more habitats for life. Harper’s artistic style maybe minimalistic but is by no means simple.

Can you find multiple perspectives in the Rocky Mountains poster?

Several of the commissioned posters are available for purchase at the GPO Bookstore. The Catalog of Government Publications (CGP) is another GPO resource that can be used to discover Government posters. For example, the University of Iowa digitized Harper’s Glacier Bay poster, and it’s available through the CGP. The CGP can also be used to learn more about the extensive research Federal agencies have conducted about natural wonders in the U.S.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Vanathy Senthilkumar is a Systems Librarian at GPO.

2 Comments | Art, Art and Architecture, Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Travel and Tourism | Tagged: Charley Harper, Charley Harper posters, Charlie Harper, Glacier Bay poster, Hawaii’s volcanoes, National Park Service, National Park Service Posters, nps, Rocky Mountains poster | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Be Enriched with Humanities Magazine

July 12, 2016

For over 50 years, the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) has been a prolific funder of humanities programming in the United States. It all started with one piece of legislation that moved the public arts and humanities needle in the United States. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act into law. The act created the NEH and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as separate, independent agencies. Upon adding his signature, Johnson remarked, “The arts and the humanities belong to the people, for it is, after all, the people who create them.”

President Lyndon Johnson signs the legislation creating NEH. Credit: NEH

In addition to printing the original act and making the digital version available on govinfo, GPO offers single copies for purchase and annual subscriptions to NEH’s HUMANITIES magazine. Visit the U.S. Government Bookstore’s HUMANITIES page to subscribe. Simply add a one-year subscription to your cart. Subscriptions begin with the first issue released after the order is processed.

HUMANITIES

Arts and the humanities are an asset—a public service to be strengthened. One way the NEH does that is with its HUMANITIES magazine. The quarterly periodical features stories about artistic excellence and thought in America. Its issues are filled with stories of literature, history, archaeology, comparative religion, philosophy, and language. The magazine also provides information about recent NEH grants, a calendar of endowment-supported events, and deadlines for applicants seeking funds.

HUMANITIES aims to advance a broader understanding and appreciation of humanities in the public space. It contains visionary works and thoughtful scholarship and history lessons and deep questions and real conversations—all things that support the NEH’s essential humanities mission. The bimonthly review is a fascinating preservation of America’s diverse heritage and cultural infrastructure.

The NEH is a public body that connects expression with learning. It makes sense that it produces a publication just as valuable. HUMANITIES magazine is an art form unto itself. It’s this distinctiveness that, in the words of President Johnson, “make[s] fresher the winds of art in this great land of ours.”

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS PUBLICATION?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

About the author: Blogger contributor Chelsea Milko is a Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Art and Architecture, Libraries, National Endowment for the Humanities | Tagged: Arts and the humanities, HUMANITIES, humanities magazine, humanities magazine subscription, magazine subscriptions, National Endowment for Humanities, NEH | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Art and the Air Force: Top Guns Above the Clouds

March 23, 2016

Air Force art is a particular species of art. Limitless blue-skies yonder. Wispy white contrails. Gunners encased in gunmetal. Strategic bombing campaigns. Official portraits of commanders. And so much more.

And that so much more is honorably captured in ‘A Magnificent Showcase: History, Heritage, and Art: The United States Air Force and the Air Force Art Program.’ Authors Timothy R. Keck and designer Lori Ann Dawson show how the Air Force Art Program illuminates and preserves the heritage of the aerial warfare service of the U.S. Armed Forces. Part art piece, part historical compendium, the book’s watercolors and oil paintings showcase both machine and man of the “Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win” branch.

Each artist’s portrayal of Air Force servicemen and servicewomen show an enthusiastic championing of aircraft meets artful craft. The hefty tome features full-page scenes of battle-ready bombers rocketing over bucolic fields, fly boys on reconnaissance missions, and the fiery hazards of war. The wide, stratospheric pages are inset with vignettes of historical milestones such as the Tuskegee Airmen, Berlin Airlift, Pacific island raids, and Desert Storm.

Ah oh the pop-out spread of colors! The apricot-colored sundown of William Phillips’ ‘Fifty Miles Out’, the algae-green fields of Randy Green’s ‘The Bridge Busters—397^th Bomb Group,’ and the alpenglow-purple of Michael Machat’s ‘Habu’s Last Hurrah’ are all standout.

The introduction to ‘A Magnificent Showcase’ includes a circa-1960s quote from former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, General Curtis LeMay, who wrote: “To posterity, these paintings will furnish a priceless pictorial history of our Air Force in a brilliant era.” The general phrased it perfectly. There’s really nothing more to add then to say it’s simply a magnificent book.

P.S. You can continue your exploration of U.S. military art with this beauty: In the Line of Duty: Army Art, 1965-2014. It’s rich with soldier-artist pieces depicting the warfare operations of Vietnam through twenty-first century Iraq and Afghanistan. Raw grit and real courage.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE PUBLICATIONS?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Art and Architecture, Aviation, Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force | Tagged: Air Force, air force art, air force history, military art, military artwork, us air force, us air force reserve | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

The Capitol Building and Dome

August 26, 2014

From 1793 until today, the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. has been a topic of interest—and has been the subject of several Government publications! The Capitol dome is soon to be covered with scaffolding for two years for a restoration project, so let’s try to uncover some Capitol treasures before that happens.

Proposed scaffolding for Capitol dome restoration
Architect of the Capitol

History of the Capitol

Representative Rufus Choate in 1833 came up with this idea: “We have built no national temples but the Capitol; we consult no common oracle but the Constitution.” Do you agree? You’ll find that quote as well as plenty more information about the building in the book History of the United States Capitol: A Chronicle of Design, Construction, and Politics, also known as S. Doc. 106-29 and part of the Congressional Committee Materials collection on GPO’s Federal Digital System (FDsys). If you’re a more down to earth person and want details on the cost of building the Capitol, check out Chapter 10 of H. Doc. 108-240, Glenn Brown’s History of the United States Capitol , also available on FDsys.

Capitol dome/Dome restoration

The Capitol dome is part of what makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in the country—but did you know it is not the first dome that was on the building? The current dome was designed by Thomas U. Walter and built over 150 years ago, from 1855-1866. The first dome was designed by Charles Bulfinch and finished in 1824. The last time the dome was restored was 1959-1960, and the cast iron now has more than 1,000 cracks, so it’s about to get restored in a two-year project.

Capitol in 1834 with Bulfinch dome
Library of Congress

Capitol artwork

What about inside the building? The National Statuary Hall Collection has two statues from every U.S. state, and H.R. 5711 was introduced in the 111^th Congress (2010) to allow U.S. territories to furnish statues for the hall too. Illinois was the first state to send a statue of a woman —educator and reformer Frances E. Willard’s statue was installed in 1905.

Restoring the Dome
Architect of the Capitol

To Make Beautiful the Capitol: Rediscovering the Art of Constantino Brumidi

The Capitol also contains striking artwork by Constantino Brumidi. This Italian artist came to the United States when he was almost fifty years old. Brumidi embraced American history and the United States, signing himself “C. Brumidi Artist Citizen of the U.S.” on one of his Capitol frescoes. Read more about Brumidi and his work in To Make Beautiful the Capitol: Rediscovering the Art of Constantino Brumidi, Constantino Brumidi: Artist of the Capitol, or at the Architect of the Capitol’s Web site.

North Brumidi Corridor
Architect of the Capitol

Fun facts and more

S.R. 7, 40th Congress, 1867
Library of Congress

For those who like historical tidbits (and cider), check out joint resolution S.R. 7 from 1867 prohibiting alcoholic beverages in the Capitol . . . or the 2011 hearing on “Nuclear Energy Risk Management” before a House committee which says the granite of the Capitol building means it has “some of the highest radiation levels in all of the United States, about 85 millirem per year.” (But don’t worry, cross-examination reveals that that level is just “normal radiation exposures from natural background.”) And finally, for even more detail, historical facts, and great images, don’t forget to check out the fabulous Web site of the Architect of the Capitol – they are experts on this fascinating building!

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE PUBLICATIONS?

In addition to clicking on the links in the article above to find the publications, you may find these publications from the following:

Visit a Federal Depository Library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP)

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy these print publications (with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide) from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore website at http://bookstore.gpo.gov:

Click here to purchase To Make Beautiful the Capitol: Rediscovering the Art of Constantino Brumidi

Click here to purchase Glenn Brown’s History of the United States Capitol

Click here to purchase United States Senate Catalogue of Graphic Art

Click here to purchase United States Senate Catalogue of Fine Art

Order by Phone: You may also order print editions by calling GPO’s Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

About the author: Lara Otis is an Outreach Librarian for the U.S. Government Printing Office’s Library Services & Content Management (LSCM) Division.

Leave a Comment » | Art and Architecture, Congress, Libraries, Library of Congress (LOC), U.S. History | Tagged: Architect of the Capitol, Artwork of the Capitol, Artwork of the US Capitol, Capitol, Capitol Building, Capitol Building Dome, Capitol dome, Constantino Brumidi, History of the United States Capitol, Library of Congress, the Capitol building, The Capitol dome, U.S. Capitol, United States, us capital, US Capitol | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Designing a Nation: Civic Art in the Nation’s Capital

April 17, 2014

The U.S. Capitol and National Mall are a beautiful representation of the dignity and public spirit of the United States of America. This area is steeped in history, and you can learn more about the past and continued efforts to design, build, and preserve the U.S. Capitol and National Mall through many government publications.

With its famous dome celebrating its 150^th anniversary in December 2013, the United States Capitol is a treasure-trove of civic art. Just released, To Make Beautiful the Capitol: Rediscovering the Art of Constantino Brumidi gives a detailed history of renowned Italian-born artist Constantino Brumidi’s masterful work in “making beautiful” the walls and ceilings of the United States Capitol in a span of 25 years starting in 1854. Every page delights with gorgeous, full-color photographs and images of Brumidi’s art, from photographs of the frescoes and decoration, to sketches, paintings and images of the artist, particularly the Brumidi Corridors and his “monumental fresco” in the Capitol Rotunda, called The Apotheosis of Washington. Fascinating anecdotes are included throughout of the artist and the inspirations he received for various elements, his relationship with engineer Montgomery C. Meigs, and the conservation efforts to preserve his work accurately for posterity. Read more about this publication and others about art in the Capitol in our prior blog post, National Treasure: The art and architecture of the US Capitol.

The primary oversight board for projects in the National Mall area is the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which was established by an act of Congress on May 17, 1910 in Public Law 61-181. This commission was created as an independent review agency for the work of designing the national capitol and to guide the architectural development of Washington. The commission’s role was expanded with later passage of the Shipstead-Luce Act of 1930 (Public Law 71-231 and Public Law 76-248), and the Old Georgetown Act of 1950 (Public Law 81-808). The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has a long history of guiding the development of the nation’s capital. Several resources are available in print and online to learn more about the commission’s history.

The National Park Service maintains a detailed guide linking to documents and reports that detail the area history. The Mall Cultural Landscape Inventory, part 2 contains several pages describing the history of the Senate Park Commission and its formation into the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts published a monograph in 2006; Designing the nation’s capital: the 1901 plan for Washington D.C. This 359 page monograph contains illustrations in color and black and white, as well as maps. The National Park Service provides full text access to this title online.

In addition to this title, several editions of this history of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts from 1910 to date were published in 1964, 1977, 1981, 1985, 1991, and 1996.

The most recent addition to the volumes available about the history of the commission is celebrates 100 years of the work of the commission. Civic Art : a centennial history of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is a beautiful, 626 page monograph with illustrations, maps and plans. It is a comprehensive history of the agency and includes original essays by prominent architects and landscape architects including Arleyn Levee, Carroll William Westfall, and Richard Guy Wilson.

Another beautiful book that features some of the history of the national mall area is A Botanic Garden for the Nation: The United States Botanic Garden. You can read more about this publication in a previous post on Government Book Talk.

For more information about the U.S. Capital building, you can also check out the publications highlighted in the previous Government Book Talk post on the 150^th anniversary of the completion of the Capital Dome.

To read more about the history of the Smithsonian, you could visit a depository library and check out the publication, America’s Castle: the evolution of the Smithsonian Building and its institution, 1840-1878.

If you are interested in the official records of the commission, you can locate them at the National Archives. The record collection includes administrative history, annual reports, and a selection of still photographs. The records are divided between College Park, MD and Washington DC. Many of the records pertaining to the building and continued development of the National Mall are available at the National Archives, such as the National Park Service Records for the National Capital Region, and the Records of the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital.

How Can I get this book and other publications about history of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy this eBook or any other eBook, as well as print publications (with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide) from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore website at http://bookstore.gpo.gov:
Order by Phone: You may also Order print editions by calling our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.
Shop our Retail Store:Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.
Visit a Federal Depository Library:Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications or CGP.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Cathy Wagner, a GPO Outreach Librarian for the U.S. Government Printing Office’s Library Services & Content Management (LSCM) Division. Additional content, images and editing provided by Trudy Hawkins, a writer and marketing specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Division supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (http://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Art and Architecture, Award Winning Books, Commission report, Congress, Consumers, Federal Government Role, Gifts, House of Representatives, Libraries, National Park Service, Presidential Commissions, Senate, Smithsonian Institution, Travel and Tourism, U.S. Senate | Tagged: american architecture, American history, American landscape, architecture, Art, art books, art history, Arts, best history books, Botanic Garden, Botanic Gardens, castles, Constantino Brumidi, cultural landscape, dc art, DC tourism, dc tourist attraction, Fine Art, fine art comission, Fine Arts, Fine Arts Commission, free government books, free government publications, government art, government ebooks, municipal art, national mall, nations capital, NPS books, paintings, photographs, Public Law, smithsonian, us capital, washington attraction, washington dc books, washington dc tourism, Washington DC tourist attraction | Permalink
Posted by Michele Bartram, U.S. Government Online Bookstore

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