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FEDERAL WORKS AGENCY
WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION
1734 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
HOWARD O. HUNTER
ACTING COMMISSIONER OF WORK PROJECTS

June 13, 1941

To Whom It May Concern:

I have known Yasuo Kuniyoshi for upwards of twenty years, and am thoroughly familiar with his background, including his art student years in New York and his years as a producing artist in New York City, Woodstock, N.Y., and Ogunquit, Me.  During the 1920's, when I was on the staff of the Newark Museum, I had occasion to be directly associated with Mr. Kuniyoshi, and I have been associated with him on other occasions in the organization of art exhibitions such as the New York Municipal Exhibitions of 1933-34 which were sponsored by Mayor La Guardia, and I have followed his work and activity since the 1920's.

It is my considered opinion that Yasuo Kuniyoshi is a thoroughly American artist.  His art education was received in this country under the direction of distinguished American teachers.  All his associations are with the American art world.  Mr. Kuniyoshi's actions throughout the years I have known him have indicated to me that he is a thoroughly loyal American in thought and in feeling, a firm believer in American democracy in our form of government, and in the policies of our great President.  To my mind Mr. Kuniyoshi is a leader of American creative expression who has immeasurably enriched American art in our time.  I can think of no other American artist whose work I would value more highly; no one who is more worthy of esteem of his fellow artists and the respect of the American public.

Any consideration shown Mr. Kuniyoshi will be deeply appreciated.

Very truly yours,
Holger Cahill
Holger Cahill, Director
WPA Art Program