Paul Fontaine and His WWII Watercolors Curator Talk

  June 1950, Paris, Paul Fontaine, Photo by Willy Maywald.   Paul Fontaine and His WWII Watercolors Curator Talk Curator Claudia Chidester Leads a Discussion of the Life and Work of Paul Fontaine Sunday, may 17, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM DOORS OPEN AT 2:00pm for the 2:30pm talk FREE EVENT | FREE PARKING Learn more about the exhibit Curator Claudia Chidester explores the life and artistic career of Paul Fontaine ( 1913-1996) focusing on his contributions as a World War II watercolor artist within the broader context of American wartime art. It traces his early development—from his involvement in New Deal programs like the CCC and WPA, through his formal training at Yale—highlighting how these experiences shaped his style and opportunities, including a prestigious fellowship. The Talk then situates Fontaine within the larger wartime art movement, where artists documented military life and boosted morale through official and unofficial programs following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Emphasis is placed on his 1944–1945 watercolor works in Italy, which depict scenes such as military camps, transportation routes, and captured prisoners, offering a personal, on-the-ground perspective of the war. Ultimately, the presentation underscores the importance of artistic expression during WWII as both historical documentation and emotional reflection, illustrated through Fontaine’s belief that art must be driven by genuine inspiration. This Talk is free and open to the public. Free parking is available behind the Museum. Paul Fontaine and His WWII Watercolors will be on display at the Neill-Cochran House Museum from April 8 through May 24. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.