The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-18

Many reeders will recall story that appeared in these columns not many months ago telling of the remarkable tal- ent of an Alabama girl. The subject of the story was Geneva Mercer, a young woman whose childhood home was in the little town of Jefferson, Marengo county. Surrounded by a group of brothers and sisters slie grew almost to womanhood, her wonderful artistic talent hidden from the world She was an un- usually clever child. inheriting the bright mentality of a Huguenot ancestry of dis tinction Not very long ago she was sent to Livingston to be placed under the care and tutelase of that superb scholar and charming gentlewoman, Miss Julia Tut wiler. Here her artistic bent was given full expression Modelling had been her passion. Even as a child quaint images were nodded by her delft hands from the roadside mud-the only pliable material at hand. In the art class at Livingston her talent became at once evident to Miss Tutwiler She was given all the encouragement and assistance possible in pursuing her studies and a number Of excellent bits were modelled from the very inferior clay which was her only ma terial There was one of Little Miss Muffet," another she called 'The Young Mother" in which a mother was depicted bending over a tiny cradle, and others still which gave proof to the trained eyes that watched her career of the remark- able talent for sculpture that was hers.
 Miss Tutwiler. whose whole heart is bound up in educational and philanthropy ic works, realized that the young girl should receive instruction beyond that which the school at Livingston afforded, and cast about for some means to bring it within her protege's reach. In the mean time she saw that the capable young mind was grounded in classical lore and those studies which produce a broad cul- ture, capable of dealing with the big things of life. The literary training which has been hers is a great aid in grasping the problems which her profes- sion has presented. A collection of Miss Mercers representative models was gathered together and sent by Miss Tut wiler to the Commercial club of Birming- ham, accompanied by letter giving a statement relative to the training which had already been given to the young girl and the need which such superior talent occasions. Assistance was asked of some of the philanthropic citizens of the com munity.
 The little models were molded of clay, indeed, from the road mud at Livingston, but the ability shown in the execution of this meanest of materials into objects that expressed so much was evident to the most conservative observers.
 Miss Edna Smith, who is always alert in the interest of art and the friend oi talent immediately saw the rare talent that called them forth and was instru. mental in bringing Miss Mercer to the at tention of those most capable of aidins her. During subsequent visits to Signol and Mrs. Morretti at Carrara, near Tal- ladega, Miss Smith so graphically de- scrbed the casts that Mir Moretti asked that they be retained for his inspection when next he should visit Birmingham He came, expecting to see something good, it is true, since he trusted the judg- ment of Miss Smith and those members of the club who had described the produc- tions. His enthusiasm upon examining them bespoke an impulsiVe admiration truly Latin and expressing the most genuine satisfaction possible His decision in regard to the young girls career was immediate T will take her with me- he said, ito Carrara, where she may study for three years. After that we shal see"
 So there, installed in the charming Italian villa of the great sculptor, is tn, little Alabama maid, happy in her beau tiful home life with it's artistic surround ings and cultured atmosphere, happier II the big studio. This is not far from tn, quaint brick house that the artist anC his lovely wife have made the symbol O hospitality, though they call it 'Mont' Pino," because it is on little mountain of pines"
 MT Moretti first gave his pupil worl in the simple things--the hand being he Initial lesson. The foot was also studied this coming after the hand. Those wh became interested in Miss Mercer's ca reer when so much was told of her grea gift, hoped that some of her work woul be placed upon exhibition at the Stat Fair, hence a few pieces which MT. Nc retti permitted to be shown have been ob jects of the keenest attention. Ther is 8 hand which is an exquisite mode the lines being most graceful in char acter. A foot, however, which she late ly completed and has exhibited in tn glass case that contains several othe examples of her work, with a more intrl cate problem. It is difficult position the lines being foreshortened because tn foot is in a position as though stepping This is not beautiful foot, but the youn girl has given to 1t an appearance c wonderful strength which is expresss with rare understanding. head 0 Aratus is another of her model, Strength and intellectually characteriz the countenance and which is plainl that of poet. This young artist handle her subject with much feeling and shove excellent technique,
 In direct contrast to the head of tn poet is that of Dian. In this there is
 wealth of beauty and grace of boise. l is rarely sensitive, showing as MT. Mo retti expressed it, such fine feeling fo