The Mena weekly star., 1896-09-16
ADVANCEMENT OF ART.
Formation of New Society for the
 Publication of Art Works.
From the BOeton Herald

From the Boston Herald
 Few towns of any considerable size in
 the country are without free libraries, or,
 at least, circulating libraries to which the
 subscription is merely nominal; and even
 the smallest and most remote villages have
 their book and magazine clubs. The supply
 or good reading is consequently everywhere
 equal to the demand, and the opportunity
 or becoming acquainted with the standard
 works as well as current publications is
 practically given to everybody who de- But while our people have in this manner
 become what may be termed well read, they are lamentably uninformed in matters or art, and few can define even it's simplest fundamental rules. To cultivate and en- courage taste in art as correct, as dis corning and as universal as that. which ex- ists in literature, very little has been done
 Reahzing this state of affairs and desr- Ing To remedy 1t, number of connosseurs nave associated themselves in the Ameri- can Art Society, which has been incor- porated under the laws of Massachusetts for the purpose of publishing and directing the finest reproductions of the great art works of the century. This movement is of the utmost importance to all interested in in the the educational problem, because, while business principles, it has fer It's sole ob Ject the advancement of art by furtherins the cultivation of correct taste and the formation of discriminating judgment Its plan is purely cooperative, and its mem bers purpose giving lictures and exhibi- tions above noted.
 In order to achieve the highest results tHS SclcCtlOI or SQpJ6dlS TOT puDllCatlOQ mas been placed in the hands of an advisory committee composed of ten distinguished artists, representing every school of paint Ing. In their selection the committee will exercise the broadest catholicity and eclec- ticism, having regard only for what is pureSt and nobleSt in art, and the subjects will be chosen from every school and ra- tionality. The highest skill and latest inn proved processes will be employed in order that the reproductions may be in all re- spects worthy of the originals. All will be remarque proofs, the highest and most valuable state in which a plate can be printed.
 The operations of the society thus far have been confined to several of the larger cities, but as it is the earnest desire of all connected with it to bring into touch all who have at heart the best interests of art, it has been decided to admit associates from all parts of the country. These as- sociates, upon the payment of a small en- trance fee, receive certificates admitting them to all privileges. while exempting them from all dues and assessments. They are admitted free to all exhibitions and lectures of the society and are entitled to purchase all its ublications-which cannot be obtained elsewhere or in any other form-at a nominal fixed price, the actual cost of publication. In addition to these privileges the society will purchase for an associate any art publication for studies pr collections at trade cost, thus saving the purchaser from one-fourth to one-third the retail price-a material benefit to artists teachers, students and amateurs.