The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-29
4 WEIGHTY PROBLEM
IN ART CIRCLES
Shall the s. W. A. Annual Be
a Free Exhibition?
Comparison of Washington and
Chicago Methods.
r. HOpkinsOn Smiths Exhibition of
Pictures and His Rending for
the Students League.

Three art writer's OF the local press met
by accident in one OF the studios recently,
and set their heads together to discuss the
management OF the coming annual exhi-
bition of the s. W. A. None is interest
ed more than they in the success of that
struggling art organization, and particu-
larry in 1.-The annual which event, though
1t is not, should be as much social func-
ton and a part of the fashionable pro-
gramme as the diplomatic reception or the
charity ball.
In foreign countries the governments
not only lend substantial aid to the sup
port OF national art institutions, but give
the whole weight OF social power and infiu-
ence to their academies. Furthermore, this
help is given in no perfunctory manner,
but with pride and enthusiasm. Each is
jealous OF its own national art and ac-
knowledges reluctantly the obvious claims
Of another.
Slow To Recognize Home Talent.
1t is not encouraging to see here in
America how begrudgingly home art,
which has a native, personal quail
ity, is accorded the recognition II deserves.
Ii often happens that other countries must
first sound widely the Americans praises
before his work will be accepted at home
This is humiliating fact and is often re-
called by Americans who persist in re-
naming abroad. Many another who re-
turns after having attained to the highest
skill by foreign study is forced to the bitter
conclusion that his work was more highly
regarded while he remained abroad. One
hardly looks for the endowment of an art
institution by the Federal Government but
the States may some day adopt some
such plan, and when they do take up art
and set about the development of home tai
ent a rivalry will ensue that will be de-
light to those who love art for its own
sake and their country because it is the
best in the world and means well.
1t is matter of great concern to the
society and it's friends as to how the pub
lie, including that limited circle who have
costly houses and fill them with good art
may be brought to the annual exhibitions
There was time when the cultivated per-
son had his nerves Jared by much ANA
teur work, gay and crude, in the S. w. A.
exhibitions, but, happily, that period has
gone by and the society is today able TO Of
fer its visitors collection of pictures
thoroughly respectable and worthy 10
study.
Question Of Attendance.
The conversation between the art scribes
mentioned who write with one hand and
paint with the other, turned particu ariy on
the question of attendance. Nine years of
varied experience has taught the artists
many things, but whether it is better to
admit the public free to the exhibitions or
| charge an admission fee is question on
which they seek more light. The scribes
are decidedly of the opinion that, since
the annual is not a market merely, but n
place where the best work produced during
the year is displayed for the double pur-
| pose of showing the status of local art as
| compared with that of other cities, and
that the individual exhibitor who does we'll
may receive the applause and encourage
ment of the public, an admission fee should
not be exacted. Prizes and hOnors
| there are none, and sales are quite too in
| frequent for the artist to seriously hope for
| that sort of success. Under these circum-
| stances it is desirable that the attendance
| be large as possible. II Is missionary work
at best. and the missionaries are generally
| very happy, accomplishing set. They do
| not forget that they have much to be
| thankful for
The artists are indeed grateful for the
| generous assistance given by the associate
members and the splendid support of the
! press, TO whose loyal backing, more than