CHICAGO METRO HISTORY FAIR 2013 SUMMARY STATEMENT FORM

PleaseTYPEon sheetor use wordprocessing ALLPROJECTS: Attach an annotated bibliography. Please divide primary and secondary sources from each other. Two copies of SSF & Annotated Bibliography are required for competitions. .

Title Alfonso Iannelli__________________________________________________________ Student name(s) Gabriella Finch_______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________ Project Category: Group Individual

and

Exhibit

Performance

Documentary

Website

Check if applicable (and respond to the 3rdquestion): This project uses the 2013 National History Day theme, Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events

1. THESISSTATEMENT
Present the projects argument or interpretation in two sentences. If you are using the NHD theme, you might want to make it evident in your thesis statement.

As Chicagoans and America struggled economically and emotionally to get out of the Great Depression of the 1930's, Alfonso Iannelli's innovative approach to art and design became a symbol of hope for a more prosperous future. Iannelli's progressive design philosophy prompted a turning point in design, as well as a turning point in society's mood about the years ahead of them.

2. SUMMARYOF PROJECT
Briefly explain your project and its conclusion. Include: How and why did change happen and what was the impact? Why is it historically significant? What historical meaning or importance can we learn from your findings?

My project is a website that highlights Alfonso Iannellis talent and his role in bringing American Modernism to Chicago. Iannellis designs were sleek, used bold colors and were very progressive. The timing of his style went in hand with the slowly changing attitudes in society. Society was in crisis because of the economic and emotional struggles that came with the Great Depression. There was a feeling of hopelessness. Chicagos 1933 Worlds Fair organizers wanted the Fairs theme to be uplifting and positive and they chose one person to lead that charge, Alfonso Iannelli. The 1933 Century of Progress Worlds Fair became the stage for Iannellis style of design and showcased his work to many people, who loved his modern designs and use of bright bold colors. Iannellis role in positively influencing Chicagoans and

all Century of Progress visitors helped to shift the mindset of most from hopelessness to hope a historically important moment as many needed inspiration to look to the years ahead progressively.

3. Requiredfor projectsusingthe NationalHistoryDaythemeonly.

Explain how this project integrates the NHD theme Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events into its argument.

Iannellis modern designs created a turning point not only in the art community in Chicago but also in society as Chicagoans and the world were experiencing the negative impact of the Great Depression. Iannellis modern designs, with their bold, bright colors and modern shapes, particularly the ones displayed at the A Century of Progress worlds fair, inspired people to think of the future in a positive manner. Iannellis designs were progressive. Looking at his illustrations, industrial designs and sculptures brought on a feeling of optimism, a pending change. Iannellis designs inspired positive feelings that changed attitudes from depression to optimism. A turning point in the mindset of Americans.

4. PROCESS A. What historical question did you start off withand how did it change once you began doing your research? Why wasnt Alfonso Iannelli a recognized name in Chicago art and design if he influenced so many well-known artists? The question changed to a why isnt he well known to, what were all the projects he worked on with all of the well-known artists and architects? Part of the reason Iannelli was not well known was because he did not promote himself. He preferred it that way.

B. What kinds of sources did you use as evidence to develop your argument (for example, letters, photographs, government documents, interviews, etc.)? I used letters between Frank Lloyd Wright and Alfonso Iannelli. I also used photographs of Iannelli and the other artists he collaborated with his work. Interview with experts on the topic.

C. Select one piece of evidence that you used and explain how it influenced your argument. Iannellis designs of the coffeepot, razor, and iron showed Iannellis new way of creating art. The designs were unique, modern and fresh. His designs were a turning point in history. Society appreciated his way of creating art.

D. List libraries (other than school), museums, and other institutions that you visited to do your research. Edgebrook Library. Iannelli Studios, Park Ridge. The Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge. The Art Institute. One Prudential Plaza. Adler Planetarium.