Biography
Joseph Meert (1905–1989) was a Missouri‑connected painter whose work under the WPA Federal Art Project and his close association with Thomas Hart Benton place him firmly within the story of Missouri Regionalism. Born in Brussels and raised in Kansas City, Meert studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and later at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts, grounding his artistic identity in Missouri.
Meert’s early work reflected Regionalist themes, while his later career moved toward abstraction. His WPA period remains central to his legacy, especially his contributions to Missouri’s public art programs.
Missouri Works
Meert produced paintings for the WPA Federal Art Project in Missouri, contributing to exhibitions and community art programs across the state. His work often depicted Midwestern subjects, labor, and everyday life, reflecting the values of the WPA and the Regionalist movement.
Although no surviving Missouri murals are documented, Meert’s presence in Missouri WPA records and his connections to Kansas City and St. Louis make him a key figure in the state’s New Deal art history.
New Deal Program Involvement
Meert worked under the WPA Federal Art Project, producing paintings that emphasized:
- Midwestern identity
- labor and community life
- accessible imagery for public audiences
His contributions reflect the WPA’s mission to democratize art and support local culture during the Great Depression. Meert’s Missouri roots and WPA work place him among the essential figures of Missouri Regionalism.