The Washington times., 1894-03-19
ART STUDENTS LEAGUE.
Something About Its Progress and L
Prominent Members.

| Something About Its Progress and Its
Prominent Members.
To the women of Washington-God bless
them-Washington owes very much OF its
distinctive charm as an artistic and literary
| center. 1t was the woman's spirit which was
breathed into the first organization OF Wash
| ington artists. whose object was to promote
acquaiaance and good fellowship among art
| lists, to encourage hard study, exhibit the re-
suits, and create an active interest in local
art among the people Of Washington. The
advantages and facilities that are now given
to women were opened up and iostered by the
ambitious young artists, who were compelled
to be self-supporting while pursuing the
higher studies in art.
The story OF the progress OF the Art Stu
dents League of this city is one not only OF
the untiring energy and support of the male
artists, but of the faithful work and the genius
of women. Nine years ago the art league, OF
which 4Ir. e. Francis Riggs president, grew
out OF the need OF the young men and women
students of art in Washington who were
really serious in their desires and could OBJ
tain no opportunities for art education in the
city, except as special pupils OF some of the
resident artists. which was most costly sys-
TEN of instruction. A class was formed with
one instructor, and it grew and grew into the
Art Students league, which is entirely self
governed, every detail of its management be-
ing in the hands Of those most interested. This
league, which has enrolled this year 160 stu
dents, is now recognized by the New York
association as a professional school. There
will be a friendly rivalry between the young
men and women of this school in the compe-
tition for the scholarship which has been
offered by the Art Students League OF New
York for the best drawings from life to be
sent to New York in April.
Many Of the women artists in Washington.
who are achieving wide reputation in vari-
GUS branches Of work, are members Of the
League. Miss Tones and Miss Solomons, Of
Washington. have done a great deal by their
personal efforts TO encourage the progress OF
this home institution. They have devoted
almost their entire time and energy to the
cause without direct compensation. as the
early superintendents were not salaried Of
flcers
Much credit Is due Miss Mathilda Mueden
for her energy and support Of the League.
She has been the treasurer of the school for
the past year. Sheis a capable young woman,
and her qualities show themselves in her
work, which is always strong and vigorous.
Miss Mueden has worked at the League in
New York as pupil Of Kenyon Cox, and is
now teaching one of the advanced antique
classes She is a member of the Black and
White Club.
While the board Of control have charge Of
the vital questions affecting the welfare OF the
league. Miss Florence A. Pond is the superin-
tendent and has charge of the business mat
tiers and practical details Of the work. Her
self-abnegation and complete devotion to the
elevation of woman's work in art have made
her most prominent in artistic circles. Her
instruction was received principally in New
York under Carroll Beckwi.h and Siddons
Mowbray.
One of the best-known graduates OF the
Washington Art League is Miss Lizzie Syl-
-aGtA Il r1f,ht ~ M.iA S,-l,, 1T, ,ha
Post. She made her mark long ago as Il
bright, quick newspaper artist. and is now
editor of art in advertising and frequent
contributor to st. Nicholas and other periodi-
Gals.
Miss Bertha Z. Perrie studied almost exclu-
sive!y in Washington rs pupil OF Z. C. Mes
ser. She is also a member of the Art League
and is one of its instructors in water color
She has exhibited much of her work in the
New York Water Coler Club. the American
Water Color Society. and in almost all i'm
portant public exhibitions
Miss Alice Sewall is well known by her
black and white contributions to the current
magazines.
Miss Mary Wright is making a name for
herself by her many life-like and strong
studies from Indian life
Miss Mary Chapman S pen-and- ink sketches,
widely published in the best magazines, have
established her fame as an Illustrator
In this artistic galaxy of women must be
mentioned Miss Eugenie Shankland, who has
been one OF the most successful and talented
artists. Her excellent copies OF Peale's Wash
ington have brought her money as well as
fame.
Al the spring exhibition of the Society of
Washington Artists. to take place ut the Co.'S
mos Club. there will be exhibited numerous
canvases and water colors by oui women ar
fists, and 1t is to be hoped that there will be
many purchasers appreciative of their work.