The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-04-04
LOCAL MATTERS.

RICHMOND ART ASS0CIATIoE.-The Exc
crtiyc Committee OF the Richmond Art AS
sociation have addressed circular to their
friends, setting forth the objects OF the AS
sociation and making an appeal IN It's be-
half:
The Association was formed some months
apo with the idea that the interest in art,
growing in al communities, was now vide
spread enough in Richmond to justify the
lovers OF art OF all classes in uniting them
selves for the purpose Of giving to its study
and appreciation that strength and impulse
which united action alone can afford. Espe-
ciaIly it was thought that ladies in re-
duced circumstances, and employed often
in distasteiul pursuits; might, by proper
training, be enabled to secure better and
more certain livelihood, as we'll as a more
agreeable occupation, in one or other OF the
numerous branches OF decorative art,
which, though becoming very fashionable
and lucrative, are too often filed by vulgar
and narrow copyists, instead Of competent
artists.
Our efforts hitherto have necessarily been
chiefly tentative and quite limited. We
are satisfied, however, that. although IN
Richmond the subject Of genuine art-work
has not been cultivated or understood,
there exists nevertheless in the community
edge, and, moreover, the zeal and progress
Of our beginners goes to testify that there is
q capacity for receiving it. In fact, the AS
sociation has received sufficient encourage
ment to lead it to enlarge and systematize
its efforts We have pleasant rooms, which
will be open all the week, with our own
casts, copies, and furniture, and shall ar
range as soon as possible regular system
OF classes in the various branches Of study,
under proper teachers. Our membership
is steadily growing, and the earnestness OF
our members is unquestionable.
At this jupcture we think it proper to
address you among the leading residents OF
the city, acquainting you with our efforts
and purposes, and asking you to give us
the aid which we think we deserYe-which
is, the use OF your name, and your kind in
terest and influence on our behalf.
We think we deserve this, because we
propose ends which, both Intellectually and
practically, are Of great value to the COM
munity, and if properly supported we can
attain these ends in q reasonable time.
We propose
1st. TO offer art instruction to all ages
and classes OF students.
Cd. By lectures and exhibitions to edu-
cate the public taste, and thus give the COM
munity new, constant, and pure source
of pleasure.
Sd. BY giving prominent attention to
the subject Of decorative art, to endeaYor
to educate Richmond students into capa-
city of producing decorative work OF all
kinds (now invariably brought in and
highly paid ior). By this means the city
would supply not only its own demand, but
that OF the country tributary to it in busi-
ness point OF view; for we think that in
Richmond both the climatic, social, and
economic influences would foster and pro-
mote such studies.
Our rooms are at No. 613 east Main street.
We propose to obtain the most thorough
teachers which our means and numbers
will allow, whether at home or from abroad.
The officers of the Association are: Presi-
dent, Mrs. NJ. j. Morris; Vice-Presidents,
Mrs. 3. S. Howard, Miss Agnes Laird
Secretary, Miss Margaret Fl. Lee; Treasu-
rer, Mrs. T. a. Parker; Executive Commit
tee, Miss A. Laird, Miss S. Holt, Miss j.
Dayton, Mrs. M. E. Myers, DR.. Patton,
William &. Strange, G. Macneill, William
Cross Buchanan, and r. K. Cautley.