The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-03-18
Art Aids for
Busy People
BY MARTHA C.. WELLS,
Chairman Of the Art Committee OF
the State Federation.
VII.-The Minnesota State Art Soci.
ety's Annual Exhibition.

was created by an enactment of
the legislature in 1880, it's OBJ
ject being to advance the interests of
the fine arts, to develop the influences
of art in education, and to foster the
introduction of art in manufactures. -
The law which fixes the duty of the
society to provide an annual art exhibit
ton, declares that it shall not be held
twice in succession in the same city,
except when the expenses for the same
are provided outside Of the state
funds.
The third annual exhibit opened at
the new capitol March 10, to continue
two weeks. As Mankato was chosen
by the society for April 7-21, 1906, the
extra opportunity was generously given
by the Art Workers guild of st. Paul,
who meet the additional cost as did the
Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts in the
exhibit here last year.
The law declares that this exhibit
shall include paintings, cabinet works,
wrought metals, designs, architectural
designs, exhibits Of textile fabrics and
all art craft which in the judgment Of
the society shall tend to elevate the
standard of beauty and value Of home
manufactures. Nearly, if not all of it's
objects enumerated are in this really
representative collection. The regular
exhibit Of art photographs owned by
the society, is removed, and the fresh,
new room designed for the use of the
art commission is very attractive
place.
Many Artists Represented.
The collection of sculpture (six
pieces) and ninety three pictures, shows
the work Of fifty artists representing
one each from Indiana, Missouri, Wis.
consin, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts,
six from Illinois, ten from New York
and twenty-nine from Minnesota. Fol
lowing so closely the exhibition of the
Society of Western Artists (Which was
formed in 1896 under the stimulus of
the great exhibition in Chicago) this
collection is enriched by the work OF
these members: Martha Baker, Kari
Boehr, Fred Freer Of Chicago, Robert
Koehler of Minneapolis, and Gustav
Wolff Of St. Louis, The general I'm
preston of the work is sincerity anc
simplicity, with no straining after imi
tation of foreign methods. The sub
:iects are mostly simply everyday scenes
of American life and scenery, bits o.
tender foliage Of early spring, wood
land pastorals, some strong portraitur'
and enjoyment Of child life. Viele
compilations and royal purple foliag'
| are absent, and normal, healthful, nat
uralness pervades the canvases. 1t il
true there are some very pleasing Dutc]
| waterways, suggestions of holiday worl
| in France and Italian studios, but tn
spirit seems quite in keeping with pres
ent-day loyalty of 'seeing Amerie'
First
~ The Sculpture.
There are six pieces Of sculpture
from these artists: Mrs. Neal and MI
Nordstrom of st. Paul, and Mrs. Wood
ruff Of Minneapolis, all shown
thoughtful, conscientious work -
| The Paintings.
| It$is. safe to say that the stronges
picture. in the gallery is "Laborer
Drinking by Charles Hawthorne o
New York. Two muscular workmer
rest, perhaps at monday, and beside
quenching their thirst have also foun
refreshment in the succulent blvalvt
They are everyday workers, and tn
treatment is vigorous. The same arts
shows q portrait Of his mother in fri
style, with largely black and white co
ors. 49,
This is essentially the same colorin
which Robert Koehler has used in int. tn
portrait Clustering to the Sermon.
The venerable face shows strength 9
character, the gray Of the backgroun
and the soft lace at the throat brin
the face into relief. The intent COZ
! centration Of the listener is again on
phosized by the hands firmly claspe
over the prayerbook, where the warmt
of the flesh tints is technically aide
bv the color contrast introduced b
tile fur about the wrists. The HIT
white cap adds dainty suggestlyene'
to the immobility of the features, an
rives with the other touches fine ba
ance to the black and gray colo
scheme. z..
Carl Bohnen's (St. PauD portrait {
his father and himself shows good tee
: -nioue and refinement. Miss McKl
stry's brush shows the portrait OF e.
Governor Ramsey, SO closely ldent1fie
with the states interest, and MAJ
Twain. by Carroll Beckwith is interes
ing to all. The only work from M
Randall is the portrait Of Mr.. Hawkin
, holding a musical instrument. AS tt
new director of the st. Paul School
Fine Arts, we hear very appreciati'
} expressions Of his work, which is mo
, difficult. owing to the limited spa
r accommodate Martha Baker
3 water color, called Vanity repr
Y sents a beautiful young woman, sho'
. ing the back Of the head, but the fl
, view of the face is reflected in miro
The blue green Of gown and hat wi
the changing iridescent hues Of Il
peacock are repeated in the two feat
), ers which are in a tiny vase.
Frederick Freer is not at his best
e the blue-g owned figure, PUZZLED b
his "Happy Hours together wi
Karl Boehr's "Mother and Child,
f form very attractive pictures. Tn
e are both phases, of winsome childhoo
: expressed in the natural everyday fro
d and companionship of mother and CHI
dren, and their lovable playfulness a
J. peals to the tender feeling and undo
d standing of everyone.
}, Miss Grace Woodward's selection
e EsCloister in the Venetian Church
! San Gregorio' is a wise one, showi
q three fundamental qualities. The dra
ing is correct, colors harmonious, a
f technique excellent. The architectul
J. interest in this quiet retreat is accent
t by the figure Of a nun.