Study for American Progress Narrative Mural

Painting

-

Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

front

front

Name/Title

Study for American Progress Narrative Mural

Entry/Object ID

2022.78.04

Description

Study for a mural on Masonite panel for the Paw Paw, Michigan junior high school, circa 1934. According to the May 25, 1934 Commercial Record, "The mural is one of the finest things Mr. Hoerman has done and shows in the foreground the mighty forests of Michigan, its lakes and rolling country, its vineyards and orchards and rich farms, its mighty highways like ribbons against the green and its railroads, all leading to the splendid city in the background. A dream city, typical of the cities of Michigan, made powerful and beautiful by the products of her fertile countryside."

Type of Painting

Mural

Context

Saugatuckians who traveled to the unveiling of the mural in Paw Paw included Celia Martin (Gamble) House in her role as director of the Saugatuck Art Association, Edwin House, Christiana Hoerman, Dr. and Mrs. R.L. Kortkamp. Madame Kortkamp, Frederick and Lucile Fursman, Ethel Schole, Mrs. M.A. Juller, Winifred Braithwaite, Mrs. Ira Koning, Cornelia Koning, Carabel Kortkamp, Felicity May Fonger and Celia Martin (House) Allen.

Collection

Artworks

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2022.78

Source or Donor

Wilkins, Ronald "Ron", Wilkins, Bonnie

Acquisition Method

Donation, unconditional

Made/Created

Artist

Hoerman, Carl 1885-1955

Dimensions

Height

13 in

Width

33-1/2 in

Location

Drawer

AC flat file 2

Room

Art Conservation Room

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Hoerman, Carl 1885-1955

Person or Organization

Chalet Studio and Art Gallery

Web Links and URLs

Photos of the final mural at the old Paw Paw High School

General Notes

Note

Wonderful mural by Carl Hoerman (1885 – 1955), currently at old Paw Paw High School really captures the grand sweep of the new era in midwest America. Showing signs of its age and environment, the work is troubled with heavy dirt contamination. The mural is roughly 33 feet wide, and is 4.5 feet tall on the ends, and about 3 feet tall in the middle. Seen in person, the scale of the work is very powerful and transformational, sending the viewer back to an older time in America and highlighting the need for progress while still maintaining preservation. This creates a unique double narrative between the work and its condition. Source: https://millerfenwood.com/category/mural-painting/

Create Date

November 30, 2022

Update Date

April 30, 2025