Chester Don Powell and His Iconic National Parks Posters

Chester Don Powell and His Iconic National Parks Posters

In the annals of American poster art, the name Chester Don Powell might not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, but his contribution to the visual legacy of the National Parks is undeniable. Working under the auspices of the Federal Art Project (FAP), a branch of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Powell created a series of stunning National Parks posters in 1938 that captured the grandeur of these natural wonders and continue to inspire a sense of awe and wanderlust today.

The Federal Art Project and the Rise of the National Parks Poster

The 1930s were a pivotal time for both the National Parks and American art. The Great Depression had devastated the nation, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform. The FAP was one such program, employing artists to create murals, paintings, sculptures, and posters that would beautify public spaces and promote American culture.

During this period, the National Park Service also saw a surge in popularity, and there was a growing need for promotional materials that would entice visitors. The stage was set for artists like Powell to create iconic imagery that would define the visual identity of these treasured landscapes.

Chester Don Powell: An Artist in Service of the Parks

Little is known about Powell's personal life, but his artistic talent is evident in his surviving work. He was one of several artists employed by the WPA to design posters for the National Park Service. These posters were screen printed in the same facility that produced traffic signs.

In 1938, he was an artist with the WPA's Federal Art Project and produced silkscreen posters of three of America's famous National Parks. His posters stand out due to their clean lines, bold colors, and simplified yet evocative depictions of nature.

A Closer Look at Powell's 1938 National Parks Posters:

Powell's 1938 series for the National Parks included posters for:

• Grand Canyon National Park: This poster is a masterclass in capturing the vastness and majesty of the Grand Canyon. Powell uses a simplified, almost abstract style to depict the canyon's layered rock formations, with a limited color palette that emphasizes the natural hues of the landscape. The bold typography and strong vertical lines further enhance the sense of scale and grandeur. There is a large, cream-coloured patch at the top of the poster, which may have been left intentionally blank for details of a local sponsor to be added.
• Yellowstone National Park: Powell's Yellowstone poster focuses on one of the park's most iconic features: Old Faithful geyser. The image is dynamic and energetic, with the geyser erupting against a backdrop of stylized trees and a vibrant sky. The use of contrasting colors and simplified forms creates a visually striking and memorable image. The bottom of this poster states "See America's Wonderland".
• Zion National Park: This poster showcases the towering sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation of Zion Canyon. Powell's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and drama, while the simplified forms of the cliffs and trees give the image a modern, almost abstract quality. The poster invites viewers to "Rest, Relax, Refresh".

The Enduring Legacy of Powell's Posters

Powell's National Parks posters are more than just vintage advertisements; they are works of art that capture the spirit of these iconic landscapes and the ethos of the WPA era. They represent a unique blend of artistic talent, public service, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Here's why they continue to resonate today:

• Artistic Merit: Powell's minimalist style, bold use of color, and simplified forms are both aesthetically pleasing and effective in conveying the essence of each park.
• Historical Significance: These posters are a tangible link to a pivotal period in American history, reflecting the values and artistic trends of the New Deal era.
• Nostalgia and Wanderlust: They evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time and inspire a desire to explore the natural wonders of the National Parks.

Conclusion: Celebrating a Hidden Gem

While Chester Don Powell may not be a household name, his contribution to the visual legacy of the National Parks is significant. His 1938 posters for Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Zion are masterpieces of design, capturing the beauty and grandeur of these iconic landscapes in a way that continues to resonate with audiences today. They serve as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, promote, and preserve the natural wonders that define the American spirit. His posters, along with other WPA-era posters, enjoy a popularity today that they never achieved during their short initial run.