Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-13
Mathews says that must positively be the limit
of his stay in Pittsburg

Mathews says that must positively be the limit
of his stay in Pittsburg.
JUST one week more of the Exposition. and
consequently one week more of the largest and
finest art exhibition ever seen in Pittsburg,
OF in any other Western city. Many persons
attending the Pittsburg Exposition, after re-
Gently visiting those held in other large cities,
have freely expressed the opinion that the art
exhibit is unsurpassed, and in most cases un-
equa1ed. by those shown elsewhere. If these
views are correct, and they are held by persons
thoroughly competent to judge of the matter,
they plainly evidence the important Fearing
which the Exposition galleries will have on the
future art interests of this city. Nothing has
vet been done, or is likely to be attempted in
to the advancement Of the tine arts, to place
them upon such secure footing, and to give to
those who follow them professionally the
standing and Importance which they merit, as
the holding of this present exhibition has
done, and the success of similar exhibitions in
the future will be to the interest of all con-
eerned, This being the case, 1t would seem
only natural that the project would receive
the hearty support and cooperation Of
all our local artists as matter Of
course. From all appearances, however,
not done justice to themselves in the matter, at
least not if one may judge by the extent OF the
display made as compared with what 1t might
have been. The work of home talent is, in
many cases, conspicuous by its absence. 1t is
true that they have made something OF show
ing, but it is nothing compared to what they
are capable of doing, what they would have
done had they looked well to their own inter-
ests Some of our local artists have not shown
a single picture, and others have been content
with sending one or two works that could
scarcely be regarded as the result of very SER
ions effort. 1t is rather surprising that in
matter of such vital Importance to themselves
they could be so careless, and when they let
such opportunities pass by unheeded they have
only themselves to blame if the public fails to
manifest an interest in their work. Some sur
prise has been recently expressed that SO many
foreign art works have been sold in Pitts
burg, and our citizens have been blamed
for being attracted by the interest which sur
rounds whatever comes from abroad, and with
being blind to the merit of that which is pro-
duced nearer home; but it is indisputably true
that if this state of things really exists the
artists themselves are largely responsible.
They should do good work, the best they are
capable of doing, and allow it to be freely seen
in contrast with what comes from abroad, and
then if it still remains unappreciated they will
begin to understand the real reason why 1t Is
so, and will be able to take the proper meas
ures to overcome prejudice, if 1t is found that
any really exists. 1t is quite possible for the
American people to establish school of art
upon as firm footing as that of the French;
but the burden of the work rests upon the ar
lists, not the public.