The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1913-02-11
Richmond Art Life.

1t is the gracious custom in many lit
tie Northern communities to offer the
stranger within their gates much the
same privilege as is meant by Metho
dist appreciation. To be less vague, the
stranger resides for year within Civ
en- town and behaves himself. His wife
shows good taste in keeping her chill
dren out of neighbors' yards and by
sending them religiously to the Sabbath
school at prompt nine thirty every Sun
day. The children break no window
panes; scare no horses; steal no flow
ers; take nobodys seat at divine services;
fiirt with no maidens. At the end of
years time the stranger is no longer a
stranger, but neighbor, citizen and
booster.
The writer has been in Richmond
more than twice this length of time and
claims his privilege eagerly. He claims,
embering that he must likewise
abide by neighbor law and also must
show neighbor sympathy. Were he to
drift into New York, he would not reg
ister from Louisville or Lexington or
the home town in Indiana; he is a. very
small part of Richmond's citizenship
and the Richmond feeling is growing
bigger every week.
Therefore has he a right to speak |
out?' He hopes you are nodding ''Yesl"
Music is the only side of Richmond's
art life that is given its proper stress.
Thru adequate training in the various
educational institutions, thru the sue
cessful maintenance of our musical
clubs, thru the cultivated talents of |
several individuals, Our Town outranks |
many. And yet, how seldom are we,
the general public, privileged to hear
the product of even this beautiful tai
ent. There is true artistry in the piano
forte execution of Mesdames Denny,
Kellogg, Hoskinson, McGaughey, John
son and many more. How often have
you, Mr.. Editor, heard them play? And
| know whereof speak when say that
their work lis both finished and well
worth many hearings. And our vocal
ists-many of them having received
costly musical educations. Have we no
way to reach them? We have Twill
merely hint at solution. The larger
cities have popular concerts-that is,
concerts placed at so humble rate of
admission that the school boys and
girls, those Of meagre earnings, and in
fact, all interested may attend. In the
case Of Richmond the funds could be
put TO many uses in the line of charity
endeavor. believe Our Town wants to
hear its musical citizens.
Try to forget the apparent Ego when
] mention the possibility of dramatic
organization. Su;h an organization rg
should be backed by the mature enthu-
siasts, who used to like to "act" 1t
should be permanent and represent the
real dramatic talent in the community
in which we live. For myself, would
affirm that it should have its own rooms,
thoroughly outlined program and poll
cieS. Its earning power could also be
turned into charity work. In two weeks
time committee of representative wo-
men recently brought to light real ar
ray of dozens who possessed talent.
What could they do with four weeks in
which to select?
1t is my privilege to know something
of the number of Richmond people who
are busy almost every day turning out
embryonic literary masterpieces. Why
not huge cosmopolitan mot magazine)
club of people who either like to write
or like writing? Honestly, why not?
The Woman's Club is doing a success
sul work, but not this work. There is
not young man or woman on the streets
but has written either a moving pic
ture play, love lyric or started his fist
novel, With newspaper men, occasion
al literary workers, hack writer's and
others who are interested, we might
have worthwhile monthly meetings that
would be revelation even to ourselves.
The opportunity neglected ranks as fail
ure. Snch an organization could very
easily bring to the general public many
of Kentucky's great literary men and
women, for they are vulnerable to at
tention. 1t is part of the literary
makeup,
Some of the best-read people have
ever met are residents now Of what we
call Our Town. We are in the heart of
club women's activities. Richmond can
boast of producing many fine records in