New-York tribune., 1900-12-09
FOR AN AMERICAN SALON.
EDWIN LORD WEEKS'S SUGGESTION
FINDS FAVOR IN THIS CITY.

Edwin Lord Weeks the well known American
artist whose studio is in Paris. suggested in re-
cent article that the National Academy OF Design
should be made the nucleus of an American salon.
The idea has excited great deal OF favorable
comment In art circles. and appeals strongly to
prominent and influential Academicians. In a talk
yesterday with a Tribune reporter Frederick Diel-
man. president OF the National Academy OF De-
sign said:
Edwin Lord Weeks's communication regardins
the establishment of National salon is cheer
try are understood by and receive the interest Of
brother artists abroad, even by those whose bond
entity so slight. Suggestions coming from them
toward meeting our requirements are quite in line
with the ideas and plans which have been enter
tained and labqred for quietly but none the Jess less
cerning the rank which has been conceded to
American art by competent foreign judges, MI
hoped that in due time even the American public
win come to realization of the fact that there is
an American art that Is no longer PROVINCIAL ah9
that it is deserving of the liberal recognition and
support which is freely accorded to other efforts
Is both educational and philanthropic.
The time is ripe for the establishment Of an
American salon-in other cords. Tor institution
which would afford adequate measures for the
Mr. Weeks is also quite righ. in holding that the
II is perfectly well known to that portion of our
public which is interested in matters OF art that
undertaking which aims not alone to develop that
institution so as TO make it capable OF furnishing
periodical and permanent exhibition OF American
a3a y Pu TOR IN b 10
matter. of National pride.
REAL ESTATE AND FUNDS OFFERED.
TO h 1f9 Bf knoWn and hat b.6f he in bS ADDITION
the accumulation Of seventy-fve years of it's ac-
estate and funds aegregating nearly haif million
dollars to say nothing OF its collection. which forms
In itself valuable nucleus for a permanent gallery
OF American arr II would be folly to ignore and
neglect this substantial existing asset In establish
suggested.
The public need not trouble Itself with 4 fear
the body TO conduct an institution which is Lave
the narrowness or iberaiity Of the institution have
been justified. that time has passed The policy OF
as it can be made by who desire only TO
further the largest interests Of American art The
means for securing the membership OF able paint
ers and sculptors have been smpliffed. there
found in the ranks Of the Academicians every
artist of note in America.
~ IS not generally known. perhaps. that last
wner g very serious s set eort was @ made by the lead
Of a large periodical exhibition for New-YOrk The
plans entertained were on scale that would have
seem practicable to secure the amount required l
and the matter was dropped for the time. The
unquestonaby materialize.
country stani ready to furnish works o. art. One
thing they cannot furnish. and which cannot be
support The profession according to the best au
display: They also stand ready to give their time
stitution.
LAMENTs THE DEWEY ARCH FAILURE.
]. Carroll Beckwith. chairman Of the Ways and
Means Committee of the National Academy of De-
sign. sad
The realization of the necessity of an art exhibit
IN this country that should with Cathoicity cover
the various branches of art production In the
United States to-day has been borne in upon the
artists IN general and largely considered by the
Governing Board of the Academy. In the contem-
plated galleries. which will ultimately be con-
structed; the entire expression Of art production
NIL NIL ne bouseu ana SHOWN 10 brilliant advantage
realize IN full this splendid project. We have al
valuable piece of land. To do this commensurate
NeWYof and in fun recnP1on Of 1Te ne devSo e
ment the means at our command are not sufficient
RIeciadon; as shown recently in London by Sir
Richard Wallace and Mr.. Tate. would be ultimately
for public spirited citizen body Of citizens
time. to give New-York another great and splendid
The destruction and defeat OF the beautiful Naval
Arch Arch Is a Teproaeh to the public spirit OF our city
poses. so far as an artistic enbellIshment to our
that beautiful arch be willing to grant their gifts to
architecture and sculpture to house our National
realize our wishes The National Academy With its
seventy-fve years of honorable career embracing
in its membership the artists of distinction or
America. has special and forceful claim upon the
IS not sufiiclent that should have our Metropoi
tan MUSEUM 9aIa OF Art corresponding With the Ma
wise have a proper home for native art similar to
the Tate Gallery and the Luxembourg.
The unselfsh activity OF the artists in their ef-
forts in the last few years to gain public interest
In this matter has not met sufficient response and
at this moment they awaiting the time when
public spirit shall enable them to proceed. A beau
tfful art building in the heart of our city which
should annually open its doors TO the public and
show the enormous development OF our artists and
art workers and the multitude examples OF their
skill, would be one OF the most interesting and at
sibly be endowed. 1t should be OF such Character
as 10 anticipate in every respect our growth and
production for the next half century. 1t would be
in the first sense American salon. governed md
directed by a body of experts, and thoroughly in
keeping with other great public institutions
ON cEARn RAIL- 4ND RErr prIna-