This is a remarkable piece with an equally remarkable story of vision and service. It is one of several murals commissioned by the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Art Project for one of the earliest housing projects in the Williamsburg neighborhood of the Brooklyn Borough. William Lascaze was the architect of the project. His consideration for the dock and factory workers who would live in this project was the throughline of the design and artwork. Several young pioneering artists created these murals for the basement community rooms of the four-story units. Lascaze wanted these to be rooms for relaxation for the hard-working residents and rejected the scenes of American life and productivity that were bustling across the walls of this time. The Williamsburg Murals were the first non-objective murals in our country with no identifiable people, places or things.

These murals eventually fell into disrepair. They were discovered under layers of paint in the 1980’s and painstakingly restored. They are currently on view at the Brooklyn Museum.

Although we cannot know the belief context of this architect, his determination to provide welcome and hospitality to the working poor of his day echoes through time and space. He seemed to hold understanding and respect for the weary and did not withhold comfort and beauty from the spaces he created for them. He also gave many artists an opportunity to innovate and serve.

Like Lascaze, may we each find a way to fill what we do with what we could do in God’s name.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church