Gallery Collection

The Gallery is proudly representing the estate of WPA artists Ruth Grotenrath and Schomer Lichtner.

Ruth Grotenrath (1912- 1988)
Ms Grotenrath studied under Wisconsin artists Robert Von Nuemann, Gustave Moeller and Elsa Ulbricht. She and Schomer Lichtner were married in in 1934. In 1935, both were employed by the Treasury Relief Art Project. Ms. Grotenrath's work from the early 1930s tended to be somber in tone and serious in subject matter. In the mid 1940s she had to begun to turn towards brighter colors. Her mature work done after 1960 becomes increasingly colorful and often incorporates abstract elements in addition to reflecting her interest in oriental art and culture.

Schomer Lichtner (1905 - 2006)
Lichtner, a painter, printmaker, sculptor and graphic artist was born in Peoria, IL. As a WPA artist, Lichnter along with his wife, Ruth Grotenrath, worked as muralists. His subject matter included Pioneer settlers, Native Americans and the Modern city.

The images shown depict early WPA works and studies to contemporary paintings. The gallery is honored to represent these two talented artists whose work is an important part of American History.