The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-04

Themselves-A Teachers Idea as OF
What VIII Be Seen in Future.
Right now Memphis is in a whirl of
commencements, concerts and exhibitions,
md amid it all the cultivated and inteli-
gent observer cannot fail 10 notice the vast
change for the better in all departments of
educational work. Everything in that
line seems to be Of higher order, a more
advanced stage Of perfection has been
reached, and with il all greater desire for
knowledge and instruction.
More noticeably is this true OF art work
in this city. The writer well remembers
when the crudest amateur work passed
muster and was accepted without lrticism.
To learn something of the progress and de-
velopment OF home talent in art an APPEAL
man sought Miss Fannie May, the leading
art teacher in the city He found the &C.
complished lady in her studio surrounded
by numerous specimens OF her own work
as well as that of many pupils She very
obligingy consented TO recount her eX-
perience in her chosen field of work.
81 have been more than encouraged by
fhrce years OF practical instruction given to
hundreds OF pupils in Memphis. | have
watched their development from crude
and initiative amateurs into bold and
original workers. II has been n source Of
much pleasure TO me that have been in
strumental in raising the art ideal in Mem
phis. When / first went abroad | only
stopped in Paris long enough TO notice my
User deficiency in art knowledge, and l
went Immediately TO Berlin TO begin a
long course of study and work under
Profs. Gussan, OF Berlin, and Gebhardt, OF
Dusseldorf"
"IIow did you find people in Memphis
in their relation to art on your return"
81 was much discouraged to find pupils
80 backward in the primary elements OF
drawing. The people themselves were
just in the spirit 10 accept and approve OF
artistic work. The art craze which swept
over the country about five years ago had
somewhat awakened their thoughts on the
subject. Americans have made great
strides within the last ten years, and |
think a thorough appreciation OF fine work
will be within the gift OF every one before
long. With all the literature and maya.
zines on the subject, and the numberless
reproductions OF fine pictures, il puts il in
the power Of ordinary people TO know and
10 talk art. In opening my studio at this
place felt that II il was my mission 10
teach art il were best 10 do 30 here, where
my home has been and where my friends
reside. My object was TO develop Il taste
for a higher art, TO help young students Ia
better comprehension OF the aims oiart. "
found that pupils here had never be.
fore been taught 10 draw from cast OF
models, II had always been an imitation
and mochanical course which they pursued.
] Immediately placed my pupils at the
task Of drawing from cast and every right
minded and conscientious teacher will dc
the same. Then still life models will be
substituted until the pupils have thor
oughly acquired correct ideas OF proper
ton, and lights and shade. II is beauti
ful development OF the artistic faculty, ant
talent will always be developed during
these courses Of study. | do not approx,
Of students copying until they have sufIic
iently learned the methods OF direct copy
from still life or living models. My pupil
hayeSbccn moro than successful in grasp
ing the 'f6cfhocs aud comprehending the
high aim OF artistic work"
The reporters attention was here called
10 some excellent specimens la charcoal
from life; a head OF an old negro, by Mis-
Mary Wigg. showed much originality,
head by Miss Nellie Trezeyani, was 6
pecially well executed, besides a numbe
Of smaller sketches.
Miss Maidie Mason had done cloverly
the head OF an old woman, while Mis-
Lizzie Faxon's sketch from nature was
revelation b her friends.
II have had some fine work both IL
water and oils executed under me within
the past year. In working in these tw
mediums the knowledge increases and
more delicate perception Is required"
TnE ArPRAL man took a further tou
around the large room, and was rcwarde'
with peeps nj some fine work from life an,
east by Miss Mona Bodds, and the soft
encd and well shaded work Of Miss Mar
Moore. Some fine water color sketche
proved 10 be the work OF Misses Maidi
Mason and Mary Donahue.
Mrs. forsdick had well executed oil
a. also Miss Saunders.
The gem was perhaps the still life stud
by Miss Mary Raincs, representing Al
overturned market basket with the sea,
Tered vegetables In heap.
81 am too conscientious 30 praise m
pupils when they do not deserve u, an
that most Of their work has been exhibited
h proof that Il has been most satisfactory
am 10 much opposed 10 supcriciality i
N any line OF work that ] am irequenil
called upon 10 decide between Sylla AM
Chaybdis. My labon here have bee
both pleasant and profitable, and feel
great qualification NJ the growing success
and appreciation Of art work. We n,
quenuy arrange sketching classes 10 som
yrr,ghboring point and sketch from M
iture. Il IL amusing and interesting an
giycs the pupils broader ideas Of the rell
ton OF nature 90 art"
TmE APPEAL man quilted the studi
with regret for the hall had not been seer
but Miss Mays kind invitation 10 ca
again will be treasured up and accepted !
no distant day.
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