Treasury Relief Art Project (TRAP)

Muralists and painters working under TRAP, 1935–1938.

“TRAP carried the mural tradition into federal buildings, turning walls into public narratives.”

— Jymm Ai—

The Treasury Relief Art Project (TRAP) supported artists in creating murals and other works for federal buildings during the mid‑1930s. Many TRAP artists also worked for the Section of Fine Arts or the WPA Federal Art Project, making this program a key bridge in New Deal art.

Selected TRAP‑Associated Artists

Bloch, Lucienne
Muralist and fresco assistant; TRAP projects extended her work in public spaces.
Magafan, Ethel
New Deal muralist whose TRAP work led to later Section commissions.
Magafan, Jenne
Twin sister and fellow muralist; active in TRAP and related programs.
Cook, Howard
Muralist whose TRAP projects often depicted regional labor and landscape.
Evergood, Philip
Social realist painter; TRAP murals emphasized class struggle and public life.
Marsh, Reginald
American Scene painter; TRAP work continued his focus on crowded urban scenes.
Gropper, William
Political cartoonist and muralist; TRAP commissions reflected his strong social commentary.
Siporin, Mitchell
Chicago‑based muralist; TRAP projects included federal building murals in the Midwest.
Cadmus, Paul
Social realist painter; associated with New Deal mural projects and controversies.

This list focuses on artists whose TRAP work intersects with Regionalist themes, American Scene painting, or New Deal public art. As documentation is revisited, additional names and project details will be added.