"Picturing America" collection currently on display at Dunklin County Library

Abraham Lincoln, Feburary 5, 1965, by Alexander Gardner, is a piece of American artwork included in the "Picturing America" collection currently displayed at the Dunklin County Library. Photo illustration

"Picturing America: America's History Through Our Nation's Art," a display acquired by the Dunklin County Library in April of 2009, is currently showcased with 17 different pieces of artwork from the artwork displayed in April of 2009.

JoNell Minton, library director, the Dunklin County Library noted that half of the reproduced American artwork was displayed in the first display and the second display showcases the remaining artwork.

"The program is designed to expose thousands of citizens to outstanding American art and help to bring the past alive," Minton said.

Several pieces of American artwork, featured in the "Picturing America," collection, which is currently being displayed at the Dunklin County Library.

"Picturing America" is presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the American Library Association.

Minton explained that she became aware of the program through Wanda McAnally.

McAnally saw a program on television and notified Minton of the information, according to Minton.

Once aware of the program, Minton noted that the library applied for and received 40 reproduction of American art.

"We have had several people drop by to view the artwork and are happy for the opportunity to share them with everyone," Minton said.

The art currently being displayed includes:

* Fallingwater, 1935-1939, Frank Lloyd Wright;

* The Chrysler Building, 1926-1930, William Van Alen;

* Allies Day May 1917, 1917, Childe Hassam;

* The Migration Series, No. 57, 1940-1941, Jacob Lawrence;

* Sans Arc Lakota Ledger Book, 1880-1881, Black Hawk;

* Abraham Lincoln, February 5, 1865, Alexander Gardner;

* Pottery and Baskets, c. 1100-c. 1960;

* Brooklyn Bridge, 1919-1920, Joseph Stella;

* American Flamingo, 1838, John James Audubon;

* Silver of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries;

* George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait), 1796, Gilbert Stuart;

* Benjamin Franklin, 1862, Hiram Powers;

* Cover Illustration for The Last of the Mohicans, 1919, N.C. Wyeth;

* Freedom of Speech, The Saturday Evening Post, 1943, Norman Rockwell;

* Migrant Mother, 1936, Dorethea Lange;

* The Peacock Room, 1876-1877, James McNeill Whistler;

* State Capitol, Columbus, Ohio, 1838-1861, Thomas Cole and Others.

According to the program's Web site, "These materials unlock the potential of the works of art, showing how they can enhance the study of American history, social studies, language arts, literature, and civics."

The Dunklin County Library is one of more than 76,000 organizations to receive the displays. Others include schools, public libraries, and Head Start centers in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. Territories.

The program was initially piloted through 1,500 schools and, following its success, more than 26,000 schools and public libraries were awarded the program by April 15, 2008.

So far, the Dunklin County Library is the only place in Kennett to have the program, however some local schools have received it as well, including the Holcomb School District; St. Teresa School at Campbell, Mo.; the Clarkton School District; the Caruthersville School District; and the Hayti Elementary School Library.

Some information in this story is contributed to Daily Dunklin Democrat Staff Writer George Anderson.