The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was created by executive order in
1935, and in its eight years of existence it funded projects all across
the country.  Not only was America's infrastructure (roads, bridges, land
management, etc.) affected, but thousands of art-related projects were
undertaken.  Many among the underprivileged benefited from the provisions
under the WPA, including the Indians, who were given unprecedented
autonomy over their own programs.  Shown here is Lena Phoenix, an Indian
instructor, teaching beadwork to Paiute girls at the Walker River Day
School in Nevada, around 1940.