Curator of exhibit to give presentation
COSHOCTON – Mike Falk, curator of the special exhibit, “WWI– Rallying the Homefront”, will give a talk on Nov. 5, at 4:30 p.m. at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in collaboration with the Coshocton County Public Library. His presentation will touch on the artists, printing techniques, need for the posters, and events that occurred during the war.
This special exhibit of American propaganda posters commemorates the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into WWI. The U.S. government decided to use a popular artistic medium, the poster, to incite fear in its citizens of an unknown enemy on another continent. Some of the illustrations have become the most iconic American images ever made, such as James Montgomery Flagg’s stern image of Uncle Sam pointing to the viewer above the words, “I Want You for U.S. Army.” Be prepared for an emotionally powerful and artistically fascinating experience.
On display at the museum are 173 posters from the 1915 – 1919 period of World War I, representing the propaganda efforts of the United States, Britain, France and Germany. The posters cover a variety of topics ranging from enlistment, conservation and government loans to troop entertainment. Some are beautiful illustrations while others are just simple art or printed words.
Falk was raised in Coshocton and has lived in Columbus since he graduated from OSU. He has been collecting both World War I and World War II posters for over 30 years. It all began when Falk’s father-in-law, knowing of Falk’s interest in militaria, purchased some while antique hunting in Columbus to give to him as a gift. As an avid collector, Falk will be bringing his extensive knowledge of propaganda art to the table in this provocative and fascinating presentation.
The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum is located in Historic Roscoe Village, a restored canal-era town, at 300 N. Whitewoman Street, Coshocton. For more information, contact the museum at 740-622-8710 or at jhmuseum@jhmuseum.org.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
