Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-03-15
ART IN WASHINGTON.
The Gratifying Exhibition of Local Artisss
To Last Until April

Inc Gratifying Exhibition of Local ArtfoD
to Last Until April
III any evidence were needed either az 10 q
distinct advance on the part of washington
artists or OF an increased interest in the gem
eral subject OF art by this community, il was
abundsntly supplied at the Woodward a
Lothrop galleries last evening, the occasioa
being the opening reception Of the second
annual exhibition Of the Society OF WASH
ington Artists. At no time has there
been in this city better display Of the work a
local talent and there has never been larger
or more enthusiastic assemblage brought to-
gether here on such an occasion The four
walls OF the gallery are completely covered with
works that are in every way creditable, whils
stand suitably placed contains a number u
small pieces, illustrating what is be-
ing done here in the wsy of sculpture
The general or average standard OF excellence
IN the paintings shown is considerably higher
than last year, and several artists appear to
much better advantage than ever before. Thss
the jury OF admission has been conscientious
aud efhcient IN Its efforts TO place local art
upon a higher plane is shown both in the quality
OF the exhibition a whole and in the mum,
Der of offerings that were excluded. The wholS
number of artists exhibiting lie seyenty-ons
represented by one hundred and fifty-six
paintings and twelve pieces of sculpture. To
secure the excellent result attained no less than
ninety-six offerings the work Of twenty three
different artists, were rejected. This action
may have been and no doubt WIS a disappoins.
ment. and possibly a humiliation 10 some aspi.
rants. but the cause of art will lie promoted
thereby. and some of those who now feel az
grieved will in the end hardly fail 10 be gamers
IN consequence.
So much for the exhibition, as a whole q
the work of particular artists shown there 10
neither time nor space ut this time Tor adequate
Comment. Nor Is an extended review peces-
sary. The intelligent and spirited criticisms
heard on every side last evening gave ample
evidence that there is no need on the part Il
the press TO point out merits or defects. As to
the attendance At the opening reception. il WIS
IN numbers in the highest degree creditabe to
the city, while IN social position, general intel
llgence and keen appreciation IL was all that
the artists themselves could desire. Indeed in
the first respect there was almost too much Of
a good thing, since. until near the hour for
closing the gallery, the throng WAS 30 great
that II was almost impossible 10 move about
with comfort or 20 examine the pictures on
the walls with satisfaction. The arrangements
OF the affair were. however, well managed
throughout, the officers and members of the
society exerting themselves TO the utmost and
with great success for the comfort and pleasure
of their guests during the whole of the even
ing, and II is a qualification TO DO able TO say
that notwithstanding lack Of facilities for care
full inspection, a number of the pictures shown
have already been sold. Ii may be added that
the gallery will remain open each week DAY.
free to the public, from now until the LIST Of
April The exhibition deserves and will doubt
less be awarded liberal encouragement ON the
part of the public.