Manuscripts - Collection of the International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts By Deaf Artists,1930-1951

MSS 91
International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts By Deaf Artists
Collection of the International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts By Deaf Artists,1930-1951
Gallaudet University Archives

Descriptive Summary
Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 91
Creator:
Title: Collection of the International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts By Deaf Artists,1930-1951
Quantity: 1.5 Linear Feet (3 document boxes, 1 oversize box)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2005 December 13.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information: Eleanor Sherman Font gave the Records of the International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts by Deaf Artists to the Gallaudet University Library in August 1959.
Processed by: Carie Lyn Kelly 1984 November 28.
Processing Note: Revised by Michael Olson. 2001 April 4.Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.
Related Material in the Archives:See ALADIN

Historical Sketch
The International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts by Deaf Artists was held at the Roerich Museum in New York City from July 21 to August 11, 1934. The exhibition was given in cooperation with the American Society of Deaf Artists; an organization affiliated with the American Federation of Arts and the Salon International des Artistes Silencieux of Paris.
This was the fifth exhibition of Salon International des Artistes Silencieux, but the first of its kind held in the United States. It was held in conjunction with the 17th Triennial Convention of the National Association of the Deaf. The exhibit focused on the contributions of deaf artists, specifically those who were born deaf or became deaf before studying art. Chairperson in charge of the committee was Miss Eleanor E. Sherman of New York City. Marcus L. Kenner and Edwin W. Nies locally assisted her.

Scope and Content
The International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts by Deaf Artists was held at the Roerich Museum in New York City, July 21 to August 11, 1934. This marked the fifth exhibition of the Salon International des Artistes Silencieux, but the first of its kind in the United States. More than one hundred exhibitions represented the ten countries that participated.
The exhibition was arranged in conjunction with the 17th Triennial Convention of the National Association of the Deaf. The exhibition’s purpose was twofold: to educate the public about the cultural achievement of deaf people and provide those attending the National Association of the Deaf Convention with a cultural impression worth remembering.
The exhibition consisted of various mediums: paintings, watercolors, etchings, small sculptures in wood and stone, ivory miniatures, photography and book bindings. Countries represented were Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy and the United States. The collection, approximately 2,550 pages of manuscripts and photographs, consists of letters, exhibition programs, applications, newspaper clippings and publicity reports. The collection is divided into three series. The first being general manuscripts including appeals to foundations, registration blanks, committee minutes and letters from the Salon International des Artistes Silencieux.
The remainder of the collection, which is divided into American Artists and European Artists consists of photographs and descriptions of individual exhibits, biographical information on each artist and his/her work, newspaper clippings and letters. These are arranged alphabetically by country and the artist’s last name.
Series Descriptions

Series 1: International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts File
Box 1

This series consists of various papers related to the International Exhibition of Fine and Applied Arts by Deaf Artists. Included are exhibition catalogues, correspondence, flyers, news releases, minutes, photographs, list of donors, letters, receipts, applications, and newspaper clippings. Series 2: American Deaf Artists File
Box 2

Included in this series is information relating to the participating American Deaf Artists. Included are biographical information, collection and exhibition descriptions, newspaper clippings, letters and photographs.
Series 3: European Deaf Artists File
Box 3

This series consists of biographical information, letters, news clippings, collection and exhibition descriptions, as well as photographs.
Collection also contains an oversize scrapbook contains clippings of the event.

Folders Lists