The San Francisco call., 1896-11-08
Laudable Plan for the Encouragement of
Young TPtists

| their paintings among the people. The
art union plan is fashioned after the lines
of lotteries, but drawings of prizes under
it are not spoken of as lotteries. They
are given the better sounding name of
"art drawings"
In some cities of Europe, after exhibi-
tions of pictures, the works of several
artists are collected and disposed of by
these art drawings. As rule there is no
trouble in getting rid of tickets for the
drawings, for the patrons OF art, and, in
deed, men and women of fine tastes, con-
tribute literally. They feel perfectly sat
istied If they are fortunate enough to get
picture once in years, and even if luck
does not favor them so far they con-.
tent themselves with the conviction that
they are doing their share toward main.
tanning the steady development of culture
and refinement in their community.
So art and artists receive encouragement
which helps them on their way, with re.
suits that areyery apparent in the coun-
tries where such patronage iourishes. In a
new art community support of this nature
cannot fall have decidedly beneficial
effect, more especially where it is made
popular.
In this City the art.drawing scheme has
been introduced as permanent feature OF
exhibitions of the Art Association. Only
the more favored few, however. those pos
sesssed of money, who can afford $5 for a
single subscription to the drawing, can
participate. And yet it has been fiatter-
ing success from all points of view. The
artists are delighted with it, since by this
medium they dispose of paintings which
would lie in their studios awaiting pur-
chasers, and members OF the Art Associa-
tion are pleased, because they know that
their institution has added to its useful
ness through the medium of the art
drawing
But the artists have still further reasons
for mutual congratulations. They are
indeed, elated over a movement started
in their behalf by the Mechanics Insti-
tute, which, at this early stage, promises
to aid materially in developing patron
age OF local artists that may give new life
to art in California. The Mechanics In
stitute has organized an art drawing, and
as the directors say they will push it for
ward with the same spirit of public enter
prise which has characterized every un-
dertaking of the institute, the artists look
forward to yearly art drawing that will
be talked about in every town in the State.
This institution is organized under the
title of the Association OF California Art
Patrons, with a constitution and bylaws
as follows:
This association shall be called the Associa-
tion of California Art Patrons.
ARTICLE II.
Section 1. The object of this association
shall be to provide for fund for the purchase
of works OF art by California artists exhibited
in the art gallery OF the Mechanics Institute
at its annual fairs. The works purchased to
be distributed among the members of this
association at each and every annual exhibi-
ton.
Sec. 2. The minimum subscription shall be
so cents.
Sec. 5. The payment of the minimum sub
scription shall entitle members TO one chance
in the distribution. Members may increase
their opportunities for securing the works
purchased by the payment of additional sub
scriptions 10 the fund.
ARTICLE III,
Section 1. The government of the associa-
ton shall be vested in the Board of Trustees
of the Mechanics Institute, under whose au-
spices the association shall exist.
Sec. 2. The Board of Trustees of the Me-
chanics' Institute shall appoint for each ex-
hibirion a committee for the selection of the
works to be purchased. This committee shall