Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-01

be very careful not to let our national or
perhaps, normally acquired, bias to infiu-
ence us to the detriment of some new, fresh
ana unique art expression. We remember
that Millet did not find favor with the
academic judges: that Corots canvases ac-
curnulated In his studio; that Whistler
fought running fight with contemporaries
and we should wish to avoid such misjudg-
ments. However dissimllar the best art OF
old Japan, and the best art of old Italy
may seem to be at first thought We shall
ind upon close consideration that they are
fundamentally in accord. Through all the
work of acknowledged masters We shall find
the vital current of life and truth flowing in
greater or less degree. If In an analysis
of any work of art we shall find that which
Is foreign to vital and enduring principles
we may at once relegate 1t to the waste pile
of life. We guard ourselves against any
physical rottenness, why not the more dam
gerous rottenness Of thought or idea?
Point OF Perfect Ripeness.
1.-THE point Of perfect ripeness is peril
ously near to decay. and In art and litera-
ture we are near the danger line when we
have best perfected our powers Of express
sion-decadence begins when pride in modes
of expression outreach the idea expressed;
when a painter scorns that which is beau
tiful and makes a fetish of the ugly. I
mean now the essentially beautiful and that
ugliness devoid Of character which Is af-
fected by decadent minds. The young
student Is too apt to be deceived into think
ing that this kind of ugliness is token of
virility.
IAN art like the Greeks. as complete. as
balanced, as reserved, and as exhaustive
of art resources, is hardly to be looked for
in these complex and shifting times: but
an art that Is as true, as sincere, whole
some within narrower limits is attainable
and 1t behooves us pass out OF the
training schools of our art to see to 1t that
we not diverted from those fundamental
principles upon which all true and enduring
art has been based, and which cannot be
abandoned without disaster and disgrace.
Il do not care to speak specifically of our
school work. 1t must speak for itself
through whatever CT its influence may go
out from here with the departing students
l may be allowed, perhaps, to add. how
ever, this much to our work-the STU
dents who go from this school to the schools
of Philadelphia. of New York and Paris
commonly report that they have learned
nothing here which they are required to
unlearn there. This is the best evidence
that we are standing on common ground"
Presentation of $25 in Gold.
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Messer's address
Mrs. Emerson. chairman of the art COM
mittee of the District of Columbia Fedora
ton of Womens Clubs. was introduced.
and made presentation of the SO in gold
offered by this organization for the best
work in composition. Then the announce
ment of awards made Gen. John NJ.
Wilson of the board of trustees reading the
report of the specially invited jury. after
first compimenting Mr.. F. B. Mcguire and
Mr.. Messer upon the excellent showing
made. The report was follows:
I'm the life and antique class, gold medal
to Mrs Gertrude G. Grey for the drawings
marked M bronze medal to Miss Ruth
Alma Chapman for the drawings marked
A and honorable mention to Miss Edith
Alice Barnes for the drawings marked T.
In the portrait class. silver medal to Miss
Ellen Albert ByrneS. and honorable mention
to Miss Grace lie Due. In the water-colOr
class, silver medal to Miss Ruth Alma
Chapman. and honorable mention to both
Miss Elizabeth Muhhofer and Miss NJ. r.
Young. In the composition class. SO In
gold to Mr. Edwin Clare Jones, and honor
able mention to Harold Davis. No award
was made in the draped life class, the large
number of pupils debarred by the time
limit leaving a too limited choice of eligi-
BILE work. In the composition class. while
award could be made the pupil Is in
her first year. the committee felt that COM
mendation should be bestowed upon the
work of Miss Elsie B. Snowden."
The report was signed by VIII II. Low.
II. o. Walker and William 7. Smedley.
Satisfaction was demonstrated in the
awards, and when the recipients moved for
ward to accept their honOrs they were
greeted with enthusiastic applause. .
There were thirteen competitors for the
gold medal in the life class, each submit
from the living model, which, to prevent
possible impartiality. were lettered, not
signed. Mrs. Gertrude Grey, who received
in the class the highest award, had In past
seasons received honorable mention and the
bronze medal. Miss Chapman, who received
the bronze medal for the same kind Of
work, won also the silver medal for the
best work in the water color class.
The exhibition will continue during the
coming week. free TO the public.