Whirligig

Art Historical Context

**Whirligig** by Mina Lowry, created around 1940, is a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard, measuring 51 x 28.5 cm. This artwork belongs to the Index of American Design (IAD), a landmark Federal Art Project initiative from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Lowry, one of many skilled artists employed in the program, meticulously documented everyday objects of American folk art, preserving their details for future generations before many were lost to time or wear. Whirligigs, the subject here, are charming wind-powered folk sculptures—often carved wooden figures on sticks that spin and whirl with the breeze, evoking joy and whimsy. Popular in rural America from the 19th century onward, they represent vernacular craftsmanship and playful ingenuity. Lowry's use of watercolor captures the vibrant colors and subtle textures, while graphite adds precise lines, highlighting the object's form and movement in a static medium. The original whirligig stood about 18 1/2 inches high, underscoring the IAD's focus on scale and authenticity. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection, this piece celebrates America's cultural heritage, bridging fine art with everyday creativity. It reminds visitors of the WPA's role in supporting artists while safeguarding our shared folk traditions.

About the Artist

Mina Lowry · 1894–1942

Mina Lowry (1894–1942), an American artist born in Canada, emerged as a prominent portrait painter whose career bridged traditional portraiture and the documentation of American folk art. Immigrating to Buffalo, New York, with her family around 1901, she honed her skills early on, winning first prize for modeling at the Albright Art School and studying under the esteemed Florence J. Bach. Lowry fu...