The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-15
iii ART TROUBLE.
Suggestion that the Difficulty BE Set
tied by Compromise.

To the Editor of tho Indianapolis Journal:
The art QUESTION here in our town bids
more than fair to fetch down upon us as
strenuous a condition as that which poll
teal questions have created for our neigh
bors on our southern border. Then why
should we not follow their example yet
farther and try to effect a compromise?
This seems the more desirable for us since
in addition to the ~aggravating unsettled
question of a proper site for the proposed
museum building. over which two-not to
mention all-such art experts as Miss Dean
and Mr.. Milburn differ so irreconcilably by
a mile and a half, the association appears
to have no settled notion as to what it
would like to or can or should do in the
world for its own or the worlds better
ment after it has got it's building. One
notion is that as Mr.. Heron was a very
practical man his money should go to
establish a school of art, a place for
teaching art, for creating a love Of art,
for helping aspiring students of art to a
truer appreciation of what art really is, If
only a definitive conclusion as to that can
ever be reached. Another notion of it's
high purpose would make the museum
a comfortable place for one to sit for
hours at a time in rapt contemplation of
whatsoever visions the art object may
call out of the Vastly deeps. much as the
hitter of the pipe lies absorbed in his
adumbrations. The whole field is
in confusion, indeed, and neither wisdom
nor authority is at hand to determine any,
thing. Then why not look to a compromise
for peace and time to learn?
We are we'll towards the front in many
ways, we. who not so very long ago were
contemptuously dubbed "Hoosiers." With
such a sum as the Heron donation to be-
gin with we can soon place ourselves well
forward in art also if we are but patient
and wise and businesslike. There need be
no haste about this final building site. The
Heron fund isn't so big for such a pur-
pose as should be finally accomplished in
art building-material and spiritual-here
In our Ohio valley. 1t isn't all of art to sit
In rapt contemplation of the kiss of the
Siren" or of a bacchante. 1t isn't necessary
to slavishly walk in old paths of art any
more than in other old paths. Precedent is
good, but IL something better than has
gone before is possible, let's have it.
Our city Is growing in all good ways.
If the Art Association build to-day it is al
together likely that it will build where it
would not build in ten or twenty years
from this time. Then, since in SO many
things 1t cannot come to one, wisdom
would seem TO advise Ii to buy, with the
advice of a good business man, properties
which must increase in value, so operating
to the increase of its fund, and meanwhile
occupying this or that temporary quarter
as may prove practicable or desirable for
the advancement of the ends which time
and study may advise.
If the association minister its trust
wisely other Heron funds will be forth
coming from time to time, there can be lit
tie doubt. If 1t act in another than a wise
way probably they will not. But 1t shoul
not talk seriously, not often, not yet, of
paying from $1,000 to $4,000 for from
eleven to ffteen-inch old masters.
G. w. SEARS.
IpdiapapoliS Fab 10