Between 1935 and 1943, the Federal Art Project, a branch of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), embarked on an ambitious endeavor to connect with the American public. This initiative resulted in the creation of over two million posters, spanning 35,000 unique designs. These weren’t just mere advertisements; they were vibrant pieces of public art intended to ignite imagination and promote civic engagement across various sectors, including education, theater, health, safety, and the burgeoning travel industry. These posters, now highly sought after as Wpa Art Prints, represent a significant chapter in American art and social history.
The original WPA posters were designed as ephemera, meant for temporary display and public consumption. Printed on paper, they were not built to last. Consequently, time and the elements have taken their toll. Today, it is estimated that only around two thousand of these historical posters have survived. This stark reality means that less than one-tenth of one percent of the original output remains, making authentic WPA posters incredibly rare and valuable artifacts. For enthusiasts and collectors of wpa art prints, the scarcity of originals adds to their allure and historical significance.
Amidst this scarcity, Ranger Doug’s Enterprises stands out as a unique entity. They are recognized as the premier source for faithful reproductions of WPA National Park serigraph posters. This dedication to preservation and accurate reproduction ensures that the artistic and historical value of wpa art prints continues to be accessible to a wider audience.
The story of the WPA National Park posters is particularly captivating. A limited series of just 14 park designs was originally produced between 1938 and 1941 in Berkeley, California. Adding to their exclusivity, only about 100 copies of each design were printed, resulting in a mere 1,400 prints in total. The onset of World War II brought this artistic program to an abrupt end, and in the post-war era, these remarkable posters faded from public memory. The rediscovery of these wpa art prints is a tale of serendipity and dedication.
In 1970, a chance discovery sparked a passion in then park ranger Doug Leen. This initial encounter set him on a mission that would span over three decades – a quest to uncover the full extent of this forgotten series and to rescue whatever remnants could be found. His perseverance paid off, and today, only around 40 of these original 1,400 National Park posters are known to have resurfaced. Doug’s commitment underscores the rarity and historical importance of these specific wpa art prints.
Driven by a passion for preservation, a meticulous restoration project commenced in 1992. This laborious undertaking involved recreating the serigraph screens, one at a time, to faithfully reproduce the original artwork. Thanks to this dedication, these iconic images are once again available as handmade serigraphs, allowing a new generation to appreciate the artistry of wpa art prints. The immediate popularity of these reintroduced pieces led many National Parks to commission Ranger Doug to expand the series with contemporary designs, all created “in the style” of the original WPA aesthetic.
Today, the collection boasts a total of 60 park designs, with plans for further expansion. Including limited editions and variations in coloration, Ranger Doug’s Enterprises offers a total print collection of approximately 65 wpa art prints. This ongoing commitment ensures the legacy of the WPA Federal Art Project continues to flourish.
Beyond posters, these striking images are also available in other formats, catering to diverse preferences. Note cards and postcards featuring these designs offer accessible ways to appreciate and share the beauty of wpa art prints.
In addition to the poster imagery, Ranger Doug’s has also revived another charming piece of Americana: the historic window stickers. Originally known as “Zoo Stickers” due to the animal featured on each, these window decals evoke a sense of nostalgia. Ranger Doug’s offers ten historic sticker designs from the 1920s-40s, alongside 23 contemporary designs in the same vintage style, collectively representing 45 parks and monuments. These stickers offer another delightful way to engage with the spirit of wpa art prints and related ephemera.
The most recent addition to their product line is refrigerator magnets, proving to be a popular choice. While initially hesitant to delve into smaller souvenir items, Ranger Doug recognized an opportunity to maintain quality and American-made production even in this format.
Ranger Doug’s philosophy remains rooted in upholding high quality, resisting the mass-market “trinket” trend often seen in souvenir shops. His decision to produce magnets was partly influenced by the fact that his personal collection of original prints had been donated to the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior Museum, effectively returning these images to the public domain. Reasoning that if he didn’t create these magnets with a commitment to quality, others might, often opting for overseas production, Ranger Doug chose to produce them domestically. These magnets, like all their products, are manufactured in Ohio by Purebuttons, a company renowned for producing high-quality campaign buttons. This commitment to American manufacturing and quality design further enhances the value and appeal of Ranger Doug’s offerings related to wpa art prints.
