Artlog

Of, By, and For the People: The Art of Presidential Elections features folk art of nearly every medium devoted to presidential campaigns including paintings, needlework, stoneware, redware, sculpture, and household items. While academic artists painted portraits of the candidates, folk artists produced art related directly to the election. The election of 1840 produced the first modern campaign when candidates used imagery and publicly-displayed works of art to promote runs for election. Women, who would not have the right to vote for 80 more years produced many of these works of art.

The election of 1840 pitting the incumbent Martin Van Buren against the Hero of Tippecanoe, William Henry Harrison, was the first “modern” campaign for the presidency. One of the best known campaign slogans, “Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too” was coined, and considerable campaign ephemera was created. Folk artists created artwork in nearly every medium. Folk art from the 1820’s to the twentieth century will be featured in this exhibition. Guest curated by Jeff Pressman.