Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-16
RI NOTES.

The pessimists who have continually
maintained that there was no interest in
art In Washington have had reason to re-
wise their views since the Corcoran Gal
lery's exhibition of contemporary American
paintings opened last week. More than
5000 persons visited the gallery in little
| over three hours last Sunday afternoon,
and an average attendance of 15OO has
been recorded for every free day since.
And not only do the people go to this
exhibition, but they carefully study the
paintings after they get there. 1t is not
superficial but a sincere. intelligent interest
which is being manifested-and this is
well. Visitors also have come from afar.
1t has brought to Washington some of the
leading artists, art critics and collectors
of America, and it has not only aroused
enthusiasm, but opened new vistas 1T
is, to begin with, the best show of the
kind that has been held anywhere in this
country in years. wrote Mr.. Cortissoz In
the New York Tribune, adding: THE start
made by the Corcoran Gallery has been
made in the right direction, and If, as is
expected. an exhibition of the same high
character is organized here annually, or
at least every other year, it is not i'm
probable that Washington will take a
comma nding place in the artistic affairs
of the country" Tribute has likewise been
paid by many to the excellent management
of the exhibition; to the liberal policy and
discriminating judgment which have
marked throughout the administration OF
the enterprise by the board of trustees.
AS evidence of appreciation and common
sympathy, Mr.. George A: Hearn of New
York, who has personally done much to-
ward advancing the cause of American
art, presented to the Corcoran Gallery
painting by George H. Bogert, which he
had already generously loaned to the ex-
hibition and which with the twelve can
vases purchased means permanent and not
fnconsiderable enrichment to this institu-
ton and to the people of Washington.
-
But while the Corcoran Gallery is at the
present time occupying first place in the
attention Of the public, 1t has not usurped
all the attractions At Veerioff's. on Thurs
day, a unique exhibition Of garden pictures
by Miss Mary Helen Carlisle was opened,
which Will be found well worthy of note
Miss Carlisle is an English woman. born in
South Africa, who has discovered much
beauty In the great, new gardens of Amer
lea, and set 1t forth with freshness and
charm. She is primarily a portrait painter.
For five years she studied in Paris, winning
medals in the studio classes and an honora-
BILE mention in the salon. Then she made a
speciality of miniatures, and 1t was while
she was occupied doing these in the old
homes Of England that she first turned
aside to picture in their outdoor environ
ment the garden flowers. 1t was she who
painted one Of the last portraits Of Queen
Victoria, a miniature, now in the possession
OF, the king, and among her many distin-
guished sitters may be mentioned the pres
ent Princess Of Wales and the late Cecil
Rhodes. Coming to America last July
with many letters Of introduction, Miss
Carlisle spent almost the entire summer
in Newport. and it was there that twenty
three of the sketches in this exhibition
were executed Later, or earlier, or per-
haps in between times, she must have gone
to Saratoga, Tuxedo and Morristown, for
the gardens of Mr.. Trask. Mrs. Alexander
and Mr.. Kahn are also Included in the
collection. They are all pastels. done out
of doors In sunny weather, with keen In
sight and swift precision. They are
glimpses. odd corners, rather than COM
plete compositions, but they have colorful
charm and sturdy art merit One Of
shaded lily pool IL especially attractive.
and others Of foxgloves and blossoming
ramblers will be found equally pleasing.