Stoneware Jar c. 1937

Annie B. Johnston rendered this stoneware jar as part of the Index of American Design, a WPA program active from 1935-1942. Johnston, like many of the artists involved, documented American decorative and folk arts. These artists, many of whom were women, played a crucial role in preserving cultural memory during the Depression era. This jar, with its sturdy handle and simple form, speaks to the resourcefulness and self-sufficiency often associated with rural communities. The stoneware material itself is humble, yet durable, embodying the values of practicality and resilience. Johnston's careful depiction invites us to consider the labor and skill involved in its creation, and to reflect on the lives of those who relied on such objects for their daily needs. While simple in appearance, this drawing celebrates the artistry embedded in everyday life.