National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-03-26
THE -fRT CLUE.
Last Meeting of the Season-Address by Mr.
simon Wolf

Last Meeting of the season-Address by Mr..
Simon Wolf.
The last meeting for the season of the Art
Club was held last night ut the art rooms, in
the COrcoran building. A large number of in
vited guests were present, and passed very
enjoyable evening. The exhibits were unit
sually large. Among them worthy of special
mention is an Italian head by Mrs. Dodge
landscapes by Wcyl, Poole, Messer, Fisher, and
Others and II portrait of Mrs. Hayes, by Browne.
The exercises consisted of music on the piano
by Professor King; a statement of the progress
of the club by the vicc-president Mr.. Wilson !;
paper by Mr. Simon Wolf on art opportuni-
ties in America, and some excellent vocal mu.
sic by Miss Fisher, Miss Abel, and Miss Erni.
Aftor the programme was completed Mr.. Twee-
dale read a comical selection or two, and the
remainder of the evening was spent in social
converse and picture study.
Mr.. Winslow, in his remarks, said that the
club had increased in strength, talent, and
ability Its object was to increase and awaken
interest in art. They had formed life class
q regular drawing class--now composed of be-
tween twenty and thirty members. 1t had
been decided to reduce tho dues of the mem
bers from SIP to IS, and for unmarried ladies
half that sum,
Mr.. Simon Wolf, during his address, spoke
country and the necessity and justice of estab-
fishing II national art school in this city There
is no branch Of science or education, he said,
that needs or deserves as much fostering
and encouragement in this city as art
We admire, we. critcise, but do not to
the extent of our opportunities aid art and its
YOtaries to that measure of success and appre-
citation without which the one is barren
ideality and the other neglected. Here in the
nations Capital we should not only have a
| gallery but, above all, an art school. Congress,
| unfortunately, Is too often imposed upon,
while true genius and works of real merit 90
| begging and are pawned for physical exist
ence. An immense number of daubs are set
up as political jobs, so much so that the mer-
itOrious shares the same fate, and art instead
of receiving legislative aid las it does in other
Countries), is given the cold shoulder or the
unkind criticism of an ignorant scribbler. An
art school endowed by Congress would lift
! this nation to the foremost ranks, elevate its
tastes, give character to its aspirations and in
every way typify the beautiful and artistic In
nature, and give the lie to the assertion
that we are too material to have ideal tastes
Let us frown down those who by daub aud
scheming lower the standard of art. Congress
has literally voted money for a national mu.
! scum. Why not for an art school 2 Why not
give the amount due to.thc CorcOrau Gallery
and thus indirectly aid the only institution 50
] luI 6AlolluB III WIS tlbN' AL institution winch
is but commencement, but which, if aided
can be raised into national proportions? The
American nation, so prominent aud in the ad,
vance, must not be in the rear in the most cs.
| sental factor Of civilization, and the CAPITA
is the centre from which should radiate q
wholesome, refining, and cultured in
tuGnco. What can you expect OF
Congress when the idea Of French roof on the
Patent'Otlice Is seriously considered? The
speaker said they were laying the seed which
will and must ripen sooner OF later If tn,
critic Of to-day reviews the artists labOrs US h,
depicts pedestrian match or prizc.fght, tn,
day will come when an art journal in this city
will battle for their aims, defend their works
and condemn iunpOstures. He urged that i
Congress can cndOw school for the education
Of soldiers and sailors 1t can also emdOw one TO
tho education Of artists, The time has com
when we must lay broad and deep the founda
tions ior national art school aud gallery. Tn
ladies and gentlemen Of the Art Club ha'
struggled heroicully and are deserving Of grca
credit. lie urged them not TO be discouraged