The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-12-26
THAT ART SCHOOL.

What has happened to that proposal of starting
In Richmond an academy of fine and applied
aTJ84 What Of the starting Of a school here to
which the young artists of the city and of the
state may obtain the training. which if they get
at all they must attend schools in Northern
cities or foreign countries?
Several men and women Of Richmond. inter
csted in the formation Of modern art school,
which would develop the talent Of local art stu.
dents along the lines of fine and applied art met
some weeks ago to make plans for the organiza.
ton of such school They discussed the matter
from various standponts decided that Richmond
was in need of a hrstclass school Of this kind,
that il should be conducted along purely business
lines that il would require a considerable
amount Of money to start and operate an institu-
ton Of this kind and then they adjourned TO
draw up a constitution and bylaws Since that
adjournment several meetings have been held
but nothing of material nature has been ac
complishcd.
Richmond needs that art school 1t needs It
for the development of the talent of its people,
for the benefit Of the advertisers and those re,
curing the assistance of competent artists. for
the prestige which an up-to-date institution Of
the kind would give this city not only in Vir-
einia but throughout the entire South This
is considering the matter from the viewpoint of
applied art AZ a fneart center Richmond at
the present time is practically nil There Is
not that art atmosphere here which the best
workmen require for the best work. and such an
atmosphere needs to be developed that the big
gest men in tho East may find the city attractive;
that the great amount Of latent talent existing
among the young people of the city may be
do the best kind of work
As WAS mentioned at the irst meeting of those
who first proposed the art school, II is neces
sary that the institution be conducted along
purely business lines That there be system in
The class rooms. system in the bringing OF fint
exhibits to Richmond. system in the course Of
lectures system in the conduct of the school
1t IL necessary that the organization have strong
financial backing II it is to prove of materia
success 1t is necessary that business men as
! well as artists show an interest in ii and give 4
support II would be a city, even State instl
tuition and should have the support of each.
Several probable methods of starting thu
school have been suggested among them tina
of uniting II with the Mechanics institute. Thu
appears to offer unequaled opportunities for The
Inauguration of the project both in class rooms
teachers and equipment and deserves considera
don especially in view Of the fact that tht
present heads OF the institute are known to b.
favorably inclined toward the starting of III
art school and of having 1t become part o
their institution, Another offer made thos
proposing the opening of the school which is Il
be known as the Richmond Academy OF Fin
and Applied Arts is that made by Mr.. Valentine
the sculptor. 10 use portion of his studio fc
. class rooms and at the same time offering th
I use Of great portion Of his equipment in tn
way Of models ct cetera, Beth Of these offers ar
eorthy OF careful consideration The prestig
! which the connection with the Mechanics in