The Farnsworth Art Museum presents “Prints for the People: Associated American Artists,” an exhibition that delves into the transformation of modern print collecting in the United States. Drawn from the Museum's collection and featuring artists such as Thomas Hart Benton and Grant Wood, the exhibition opens on Saturday, Jan. 19 and will be on view at the Farnsworth until April 23.

During the Great Depression (1929-1941), Associated American Artists (AAA) revolutionized print collecting by offering an affordable alternative to traditional paintings. The New York City-based print publisher and gallery orchestrated a dynamic marketing campaign, targeting middle-class households and persuading consumers to acquire artist-signed prints for just $5 each, equivalent to approximately $100 today. AAA’s innovative approaches, including mail-order campaigns, magazine advertisements, department store sales, and traveling exhibitions, not only sustained artists but also ensured AAA’s success until the year 2000.

“The Great Depression impacted artists across the United States, and Associated American Artists played a pivotal role as a print publisher, marketer, and gallery by creating a new market for artists,”  said Farnsworth Curator Jane Bianco, “they became a lifeline for artists by offering affordable, original artwork to the middle-class ,which sustained both established and emerging printmakers until the 2000s.”

In celebration of “Prints for the People: Associated American Artists,” the Farnsworth will host a special First Friday at the Farnsworth event on Feb. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the exhibition, sample light snacks provided by Me Ton Logo, and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the evening. 

About the Farnsworth Art Museum: Named by the Boston Globe as one of the finest small museums in the country, the Farnsworth Art Museum offers a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America’s greatest artists. It is open year-round as the only museum dedicated solely to American and Maine-inspired art. Through its remarkable collection of more than 15,000 works, inventive exhibitions, wide-ranging intellectual resources, and energetic educational programming, visitors from around the world gain a deep appreciation of the ongoing story of Maine’s role in American art. More information about the museum can be found at www.farnsworthmuseum.org.

The Farnsworth Art Museum is located at 16 Museum St. in Rockland.