The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-06

1T like this idea of art exhibits" I said to Mrs. Johnson yesterday as we made a little visit to the South High lands school. Not only is it a boon to the children but to grownups as well, for our opportunities here are rather lim- tied as to such exhibitions
 To which Mrs Johnson replied Since my connection with the South Highlands School Improvement association and in- deed ever since I have lived In Birming ham, I have been greatly interested In the school work and, in nothing does art play so great part as in the education of the child. When you go with me through the different grades and see the work they do, and their real love of pictures you will readily realize why this idea of an art exhibition was conceived and what it means to the school.'
 q noticed some extremely good pictures in the various rooms as we came through, and evidently the children In this school. at least, are interested in the subject of art"
 "They are," said Mrs. Johnson "and in one of the grades, just to illustrate how much art talent there is out of AT pupils A were proficient enough in their work to merit recognition. The children love pictures and the proceeds from the art exhibit will go right back into the pur chase of pictures for the school You will notice hanging on the walls beautiful copies of Troyon, Millet, Corot, Watts, Bonheur, Landseer, Reynolds, Breton and others"
 q had observed the artistic atmosphere of the school from every point of view" l replied. Indeed, it is a revelation to me, the quantities of beautiful flowers amassed in the windows. the pictures adorning the walls, and the altogether charming surroundings. It Is more like being in some select private school than anything else l can imagine"
 Personally, think the residents of Birmingham have @ great deal to be proud of in their public schools said Mrs. Johnson. Having lived in several of Americas largest cities, and most pro- gressive towns, l feel that my word should have some weight in declaring that the parents who are fortunate enough to have their children attend the South Highlands schools should be more than satisfied, from an educational and aesthetic point of view. l mention par ticularly this school, not that 1t ranks higher than others of the city, but be- cause of having two children in attend ance I am frequently a visitor and am quite familiar with the work and it's re- suits. The school building is splendidly equipped, the rooms cheerful and flooded with the glorious sunlight. and the class of children, companionable and agree able In every sense. 1 remember once in Pittaburg visiting school at the re- cess hour and hearing the merry shouts of laughter from the crowds of chil- dren, was greatly impressed with the fact that more than half were speaking in foreign tongue, only occasionally an English word making itself heard"
 "The idea of art and music in the pub lei schools is of wonderful educational advantage and from the lessons taught in these branches perhaps many an oth- erwise undeveloped talent may be dis covered" l said. T believe it was Whistler who observed that art happens. No hovel is safe from it, no prince may depend upon it. the vastest intelligence cannot bring 1t about. But l should say that the layette of the art schools Is not prepared in vain when a child's humble efforts are transtigured into Venice etching-then a certain magic-a wonder as of the storyteller may be asserted to underlie the sober chronicle"
 Exactly replied Mrs. Johnson, land for that reason we hope to encourage the love of art, by placing In the school pio- lures such as the Turner exhibit con- tains. From the proceeds of the exhibit xya v,rouosa h x,urchaaa Qorua 1F fhnoa