Greetings! I am researching a series of true frescos painted by faculty and students at the Skowhegan School of Art in Maine during the 1950s. The frescos were executed on the interior walls of a c. 1842 rural church, and most, but not all of them depict religious scenes. Among the artists were William King, Alfred Blaustein, Tom Mikkelson, John Wallace, Edwin Brooks, Ashley Bryan Sidney Hurwitz, Sigmund Abeles, Judith Shuman, Willard Cummings, Anne Poor, Sidney Simon and Henry Varnum Poor. I'm trying to understand the context for these paintings, and some of the questions I'm struggling with are: was fresco a dying or thriving art at that time? where else were large scale groups of frescos being painted in the 1950s? why are these frescos important? Has anyone ever heard of these frescos outside of Maine???? If anyone can point me to a scholarly analysis of mid 20th century American frescos I would very appreciative!

Hi Camitchel,

"If anyone can point me to a scholarly analysis of mid 20th century American frescos I would very appreciative!"

Such analysis does not exist neither ANY analysis of American fresco, but very much needed!
It would be wonderful if you create one.

"Has anyone ever heard of these frescos outside of Maine????"

http://www.truefresco.com/history/peter_hurd/index.html

painted in 60's

more recent:
http://truefresco.net/gallery/index.php?cat=1