The Art of Persuasion surveys a century of development in the visual language of posters. Presented in three distinct thematic groups - Pleasure & Leisure, Politics & Propaganda, and Commercial Advertising - this broad selection of posters highlights transformations in the art, culture, and technology of posters. Disseminating vital information through use of diverse visual strategies, poster artists engage the viewer to sell ideas and products.

Many of the posters in the exhibition are widely recognized and have been collected for their historic and cultural significance as well as their aesthetic qualities. Also included are posters identified as emerging landmarks in this ever evolving medium. Selections were drawn from UMBC's Special Collections as well as public and private collections.

The presentation of this exhibition is supported in part by a General Operating Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support comes from the Friends of the Library & Gallery, the Libby Kuhn Endowment, and private contributors.