New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-30
A. B. Davies Glad Unhappy
Ones Quit Painters and
Sculptors' Association.
SAYS SELF-BOOMERS
HAMPERED OTHERS
Higher Aims Said to Have Been
Blocked by Those Who Wished
to Sell Own Work.

A meeting OF the officers Of the Associa-
ton OF American Painters and Sculptors
was held yesterday at the studio Of Ar
thur B. Davies. the moving spirit OF the
society. Mr.. Davies. who had refused
to make any statement on the recent
secession of certain members from the so
ciety. when seen afterward, was perfectly
frank on the subject.
1T was not the intention Of the asso-
ciation," said Mr.. Davies. Ito give any
expression to its satisfaction, or other
wise, in this matter. But certain COM
ments. obviously inspired. which have
appeared in print led us to change our
mind.
From the moment that the Interna-
tional Exhibition was a success minor
ity, which had taken only passive part
In the preparation of that show. displayed
discomfort and. strange TO say. those
members seemed most bitter who ought
to have been most grateful because of
the success they had in disposing OF their
own wares on that occasion. Undoubtedly
there is a fear in certain quarters that II
there were change in the taste or the
public our local art producers would sur
fer. Hence a natural resentment toward
what makes their own work look old
fashioned and out Of date.
II consider that the step taken by our
former colleagues in getting out Is the
best thing that has happened TO the asso-
citation since It's formation. From the
very beginning we were hampered by
few men who seemed to have no interest
whatever in the objects which the rest OF
US had in view. The principal Of these
objects has been to familarize the Ameri-
can public with the most serious work
in contemporary art. irrespective OF any
consideration of a trade sort. We soon
found that some Of our members appeared
interested only in what they had to sell
themselves.
LAS for the circumstances under which
they left us, I need only say that the
administrator UtHdNtO III viz i'SSN $3.50
ciliatory fashion. II allowed them even to
use proxies which had been obtained by
telephone-an unheard-of thing. II Of
fered to agree to any change in the rules
suggested at the meeting. 1t was Wiling
to accept any committee proposed with
view to a complete examination oil the
affairs of the association and the conduct
of its officers And all this after II mad
become clear that the minority had come
upon the ground with but one idea-to
gain control Of the organization. Unhap-
PLY for them and happily for US, the vote
showed that the Association was deter
mined to stand by its original policy and
aims.
next TO the International Exhibition. l
consider that the obtaining OF free art has
been the greatest achievement OF the as
ISOLATION. To that. too, the minority were
generally hostile. We, the majority, au-
thorized John Quinn, our counsel and one
of our honorary members, to appear FOR
lie before the tariff committees Of Con-
rress. Mr. Quinn took no fee and gave
his own time and that Of his office to the
cause. which he had at heart as a col
lector of modern art. His campaign. con-
Quoted single handed was completely sue
cessful. though a similar one, when pros
ecuted wears before by the combined art
bodies OF the country, was complete
failure.
AS for the future OF the association, 1t
has no interest in art as a means OF max
ing money for traders. II will continue. so
far as 1t has the power. to help the public
10 realize where creative force is at work
ir. painting, sculpture and the fine arts
generally"
The previous meeting, at which the
designations took place, was held on May
"a. II was the first general gathering OF
the association since the international
Exhibition at the 69th Regiment armory,
which was followed by the exhibitions al
Chicago and Boston. The artists referred
N In Mr.. Daviess statement Is breaking
away included Jonas Lie. George Luks'
Leon Dabo. John Sloan, Robert Henri.
tJenri Pene du Bots. Jerome Meyers and
Sherry Fry.
After the secession Arthur B. Davies.
the president and Walt Kuhn. the secre-
tery, refused what would have been unan-
in.ous reelection on the ground that there
ought TO be rotation in Office, but continue
tn serve on the board Of governors. The
new officers are Maurice Prendergast' OF
Boston, president; Henry Fitch Taylor,
secretary. with j. Mowbray-Clarke and
Elmer l. MacRae reelected as vice-presi-
dent and treasurer, respectively.