Nebraska’s Skies Inspire Batik Map

This batik map of Nebraska was created by Lincoln artist Lilian Ibser while employed by the federal government on the Public Works of Art Program (PWAP). The PWAP was a New Deal program organized under the Civil Works Administration to provide employment relief to Americans struggling through the Great Depression. The Nebraska PWAP employed thirty-two artists for six months during the winter and spring of 1933-34. When the PWAP ended, federally-funded art projects continued under the United States Treasury and the Works Progress (later Work Projects) Administration. Ibser’s map, and more than 140 other works of art produced by Nebraskans for the PWAP, is on long-term loan to the Nebraska State Historical Society from the federal government. (743p-168-01, Batik Map of Nebraska)