John Steuart Curry and Curry family papers, 1848-1999

This series contains correspondence and other materials related to Curry's position as Artist in Residence at the University of Wisconsin (1936-1946), other professional projects during that period, and scattered earlier correspondence and print material. Other types of documents found include receipts, invoices, lists of artwork, clippings, photographs, blueprints, and other miscellany. Documents are arranged alphabetically by personal name, corporate name, subject, or project. Substantial files are found for galleries that represented Curry, including Maynard Walker's Ferargil Gallery, Walker Galleries, and Associated American Artists. Curry's major mural projects are documented under the headings "Kansas State House Murals," "Treasury Department, Section of Painting and Sculpture," and University of Wisconsin. Illustration jobs are filed by title or publisher under the heading Book Illustration.

Background documentation for Curry's appointment as artist-in-residence in the agricultural college at the University of Wisconsin is found in the University of Wisconsin files, including writings and research materials related to the "Rural Art" program he served there. Throughout the series, correspondence with art students, art teachers, aspiring artists, art clubs, and other civic clubs in Wisconsin and throughout the midwest reflect his role in this initiative.

Arrangement is idiosyncratic. In general, letters are filed alphabetically by organization or corporate name, if applicable. Place names for schools and civic clubs are common access points. Names with five or more letters are filed in their own folders, and the remainder of correspondence is filed in miscellaneous files. Selected correspondents whose names do not appear in headings are indicated in a note following the folder heading. Materials other than correspondence are also noted in the folder listing.