Federal Art in Cleveland
The city of Cleveland prospered in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Huge influxes of immigrants and small town Americans moved to Ohio’s rapidly growing industrial city on the lake and created a “boom.” Industries flourished and the optimism and wealth in the city led to a cultural transformation. Public Auditorium, the Cleveland Public Library, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the orchestra all had new and exciting roles to play in enriching the lives of the citizens of Cleveland. Artists from all over the world moved to Cleveland to work in the emerging art industries, such as lithography, architecture and design. It seemed like Cleveland had no place to go but up. But on October 29, 1929 the stock market crashed. Soon after the Great Depression settled in Cleveland.