Overview: This exhibition, which explored the techniques and artistic accomplishments of the Index of American Design project of the federal Works Progress Administration featured 79 watercolor renderings representing quilts, toys, carousel animals, tavern signs, cigar-store figures, and other objects. 37 additional objects borrowed from public and private collections were shown with the related watercolors. The exhibition celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Gallery's acquisition of the Index of American Design.

A selection of films about American life made between 1935 and 1942 was shown intermittently in the East Building Large Auditorium.

Organization: The exhibition was organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington. The curator was Virginia Tuttle Clayton, associate curator of old master prints.

Sponsor: The exhibition and catalogue were made possible by the Henry Luce Foundation.