Biography
Richard Haines (1906–1984) was an American painter and muralist whose work for the Section of Fine Arts made him one of the most accomplished New Deal artists in the Midwest. Known for his strong draftsmanship, narrative clarity, and rhythmic compositions, Haines produced murals across the country — including several important works in Missouri.
His style blended Regionalist themes with a modern sense of movement and structure, making his murals both accessible and visually dynamic. Haines’ work remains a key part of the visual legacy of the New Deal era.
Missouri Works
Haines completed three documented murals for Missouri post offices under the Section of Fine Arts:
- “The Mail Must Go Through” — St. Joseph, Missouri (1939)
- “Missouri Farming” — Moberly, Missouri (1940)
- “Coon Hunt” — Clinton, Missouri (1942)
These murals highlight Missouri’s agricultural identity, rural traditions, and civic life — aligning with the Section’s mission to create art rooted in local history and community experience.
Major Federal Work in St. Louis
“Mail and Travel” — St. Louis Terminal Annex (1939)
Although not a Missouri post office mural, this large‑scale federal commission is one of Haines’ most important works.
It depicts the movement of mail across land, sea, and air — a celebration of communication, infrastructure,
and national connectivity.
New Deal Program Involvement
Haines worked extensively under the Section of Fine Arts, completing murals for federal buildings in:
- St. Joseph, Missouri
- Moberly, Missouri
- Clinton, Missouri
- St. Louis, Missouri (federal annex)
- Wichita, Kansas
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Los Angeles, California
His contributions reflect the Section’s emphasis on craftsmanship, narrative clarity, and public accessibility. Haines’ Missouri murals stand among the finest examples of New Deal art in the state.