The DePaul Art Gallery will present "Truth Justice and the American Way," an exhibit of 80 years of political, social and labor movement poster art, from April 9 to May 14 at the gallery, 802 W. Belden Ave. A opening reception to celebrate the new exhibit will be held on April 9 from 5-7 p.m at the gallery. Admission to the reception and exhibit is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features 40 posters that address, in words and images, some of the major issues of the 20th century, including war and peace, civil rights, labor unity, feminism, the death penalty, environmental protection and identity politics. The works range from World War I propaganda posters urging the public to rally around the troops to a poster protesting allegedly illegal campaign contributions made to President Clinton.

In choosing works to display in the exhibit, art gallery director Louise Lincoln said she looked for posters that combine words and visual images into powerful messages. She also sought posters that explored how idealism is portrayed by various political and social movements. The exhibit is part of "Idealism in America," a spring series of lectures and events sponsored by DePaul's American Studies Program that explores the impact, forms and importance of idealism in America.

One striking contrast in American views on idealism is evident when posters from World War I and II and more recent U.S. military actions are compared, Lincoln said.

"The World War I and II posters focus on patriotism, glorification, democratization and solidarity," Lincoln said. For example, in one of the exhibit's larger images, a World War I sailor is portrayed with the slogan: "He is making the world safe for democracy." But during the '70s and '80s, peace and isolation became the ideal, as evident in posters that urge the "U.S. Out of Vietnam!" and "U.S. Out of Central America!"

"American idealism can be understood both as taking in the peace movement and as supporting military action," Lincoln observed.

Posters for the exhibit are on loan from the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Athenaeum, the Kelmscott Gallery, Poster Plus Gallery, Illinois Labor History Society, individual graphic artists and private collectors.

The DePaul Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call 773/325-7506.