Helen K. Forbes Paintings

Helen Katherine Forbes, born in 1902, was an American artist known for her work in the New Deal Art projects, particularly with the Treasury Department's Section of Painting and Sculpture. She was part of a significant movement in American history where the government employed artists to create public works during the Great Depression in an effort to provide jobs and promote public morale.

Forbes studied at the California School of Fine Arts (now known as the San Francisco Art Institute) and continued her education in New York and Europe. Her exposure to various art scenes helped shape her style which combined elements of realism and social realism.

Helen Forbes was most recognized for her murals, many of which are still visible today. One of her most notable works is the mural 'California's Name' located in the Coalinga, California post office, which she completed in 1936. Her murals often depicted social and economic themes of the era, resonating with the struggles and hopes of the American people during a time of hardship.

In addition to her mural work, Forbes was also a talented watercolorist and teacher. She taught at the California School of Fine Arts and influenced a new generation of artists with her dedication to both art and social causes. Despite her contributions to American art during the New Deal era, Forbes, like many women artists of her time, did not receive the same level of recognition as some of her male counterparts.

Forbes continued to work and teach until her health declined. She passed away in 1966, leaving behind a legacy of public works that continue to speak to the American experience during the 1930s. Her contributions to the Treasury Department's Section of Painting and Sculpture remain an important part of her artistic legacy, reflecting her commitment to both artistry and civic engagement.