The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-10-04
Fair Notes.
COMMUNICATED

lCOMAUNlCAIED-l
The display OF paintings, crayons and fancy
needle work was this year quite creditable tho
not nearly as extensive as it might have been
had the ladies contributed more generally to
the collection. The larger part OF it was merely
loaned TO adorn the Art Hall and not entered for
premiums
On the left as we enter the eye is attracted by
crayon portrait OF Mr.. H. c. Wann's little son,
Walter. AS a likeness It is striking natural
and correct. The tint OF the paper, instead of
being the dead unnatural white commonly used
In crayon portraits, is a delicate cream color
which gives to the face more life like appear
ance than is usual The shadows are soft and
beautifully blended and there IS a notable alb
sence OF the trick reSorted to by many who call
themselves artists, OF working in the high lights
with chalk. The art OF picture framing in this
instance was evidently understood as the deep
black rim around the outside gave depth and
character to the face. card attached gave the
artists name, F. \. Dryer.
On the opposite side OF the room were two
other specimens OF crayon work, done by Miss
Pettingill. One of which was the portrait Of our
fellow townsman, Mr.. W. H. Childs, and the fact
that it was instantly recognized and named by
the crowd which constantly filled the room, was
proof positive OF the faithfulness OF the copy TO
the original The other is an ideal, woman's
head in profile. The features are clear cut and
distinct, the whole head and face possessing
character and great beauty.
In landscapes on canvass the display was lin
tied to four. Two OF them painted by Miss Lifts,
one view in Wyoming valley, Pa, and winter
scene The others are the work OF Miss Grace
Bonebrake and Miss Stella Ball There are
panels and PLAQUES innumerable In landscapes
and flowers OF about equal merit, for stern truth
compels us to say that amateur painting is anna
ateur painting. A large group of roses drawn
and painted by Mrs. Crane, and a copy OF the
lovtly snow flower OF the Alps, (EidelweiSs) the
work OF Mrs. c. H. Lebold, were both noticeable
for their beauty. One OF the well known Strain
Ideal heads painted on porcelain plaque by Mrs.
w. S. Hodge, is pretty and life like. Mrs Haz-
lett and Mrs. ChaS. Hodge loaned handsome satin
banners OF their own work.
The most striking Oil painting in the room was
that by Miss Lottie Levi. 1t was copied from
an old book OF rare engraving'S, a representation
OF the "Repentant Magdalene" Time and space
will not admit OF a detailed description OF the
good points In this picture, OF which there are
many.
show case filed with china painted and fired
In our city shows cOmmendable zeal on the part
OF the ladies not to be found wanting in a pro-
greSSive artistic spirit. The blue ribbon lot, a
dozen pieces by Miss Emily Lifts, consisted OF
wild flower designs on tea plates, apple blossoms
on fruit plate, butter dishes, and a plate with
picture OF little maiden in poke bonnet picking
VioletS, and the verse
''You little sweet poke bOnnets,
Now see from where,
Comes this tilted, cOmical fashion
OF the one wear"
In needle work table scarf beautifully en-
brOidered by Mrs LebOld Mrs. DR.. HerbSt Mrs.
f. A. HerbSt and Mrs Zahner had lovely Spect-
mems OF KensingtOn embroidery on table scarfs,
banners and lambrequinS- Miss Stella Ball eX-
hibited articles in Japanese patchwork which
wOldS artistic ability is so well known that it
goes without saying that her table with painted
plush top, is 'a thing OF beauty and joy forever"
There were specimens innumerable OF wOman'S
skill with the needle which the reporter can not
describe, and the names of the owners OF the
dett fingers which wrought them were not APP
pended thereuntO, consequently can not be given
The most curious things in the room were two
pictures loaned by Mr. Hamaker; heir-loomS In
the family. They were Oil paintings on velvet,
more remarkable for age than beauty or artistic
merit One is an allegOr1cal subject, the other
the old familiar figure Of thin WASTED woman
in a dropping attitude under a weeping willow,
leaning on q monument inscribed with the name
of departed relative.
These samples Of decorative art OF a century
past arouse our mirth now, but the fair artist
Will have her revenge when in the coming GEN.
fury throng OF dusty Over-heated people will
gaze in commiSSeratiOn and amusement at the
crude efforts OF the decorative amateurs of to-
day, In the art gallery ofthe future. NJ.