The center is one of the few art programs started by President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration, which still exists.
Art center honors U.S. president's granddaughter
February 27, 2010 (CHICAGO) The center was the first of Pres. Franklin Roosevelt's art programs to be founded in an African-American community. It celebrated its 70th anniversary Saturday night by giving a special award to Anne Eleanor Roosevelt, vice-president of Chicago-based Boeing.