June 24, 2003

Contact: Charles Eldredge, History of Art, (785) 864-4713.

KU art history doctoral student wins second fellowship to fund 1930s research

LAWRENCE -- A University of Kansas art history doctoral student's dissertation research of a radical artist group in the 1930s has received two national fellowships to complete his dissertation: "'Why Not Revolution?': The John Reed Club and Visual Culture."

Donald E. Sloan, Lawrence doctoral candidate, has received the 2003 Patricia and Phillip Frost Fellowship, presented by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. In 2002, he received the Terra Foundation Fellowship from the Daniel J. Terra Foundation of Chicago, which is awarded annually for advanced study of American art before 1940. The fellowships help him fund work for his dissertation on the John Reed Club.

The John Reed Club was formed by a group of New York artists and writers in October 1929, and it became the main American leftist cultural organization during the Great Depression.

Sloan's dissertation examines the club artists' philosophy that art was based on social problems that stemmed from the national economic crisis of the 1930s. Although numerous artists were involved, Sloan's study focuses on Louis Lozowick, William Gropper and the young Philip Guston. Charles C. Eldredge, Hall distinguished professor of American art and culture at KU, advises Sloan's work.

Sloan received a bachelor's degree in English and political science with honors from KU in 1970, and he received his juris doctor degree from Yale University in 1976. After practicing law in California for 21 years he returned to KU to pursue advanced study in art history.

Sloan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Sloan of Kansas City, Kan. He attended Junction City High School and is a graduate of Topeka High School.

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Fellowship is bestowed annually to support significant research in American art and visual culture, particularly in areas corresponding with the Smithsonian museum's collection and the expertise of its research staff. The fellowship covers living expenses plus stipends for research and travel.