The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1919-07-26
School Exhibit at Zion College Building
Zion Educational Institutions, Held on
June 5th and 9TH
C.B.W0
(Coninue from ssues)
Continued from previous issues
&C. B. W.


an almost endless variety of subjects dear
TO the lover of art
The work on exhibit in the Seventh and
Eighth grades was of a very high order.
It seemed wonderful, what results have
been obtained simply from the use of art
paper and pastel crayons. The walls were
decorated with such a profusion of beauti-
full pictures that we would make no attempt
to say which was the best In fact, the most
experienced judges might differ in their
decisions; certain points of merit which
would escape the eye of one would appeal
to another.
There were butterflies, fruit, character
sketches of children, lagoons, boating scenes
and every conceivable study of the. beauti-
full in nature with which beautiful God
has so lavishly surrounded us.
Perhaps very few visitors to the Art
exhibit realized how unusual it is to see
character sketches in grade work. In other
schools, these are not attempted until the
pupils are far advanced, as they are con-
sidered very difficult.
However, three years ago, during the
first year of Zion Schools after their reor-
ganization, the children, greatly to the sur
prise of the art teacher, expressed a desire
to draw faces After consideration, not
wishing to discourage the development OF
any talent, she consented for them to try
their hand at the work
The results were surprising and crafty
ing to a marked degree, some pupils re
vealing decided skill and talent in portray
ing expression, character, repose, intense
interest and all the other subtle and elusive
points peculiar to work Of this kind I'm
der the careful guidance and instruction OF
the teacher, the pupils have made remarka-
bic progress, and the Seventh and Eighth
Grade exhibits this year contained many
delineations of children, showing their TN
conscious poses and mannerisms For in
stance, in drawing of little girl blowing
huge, multicolored soap bubble, the ex-
preston of intense interest and complete
satisfaction was indeed true to life.
Other difficult subjects had been attenp-
ted A drawing of horses head by a
young girl in her second year of art study,
was excellent in detail the pointed ears, the
delicate dilated nostrils, the alert expression
of the eyes, the fine, glossy coat, making it
especially dItIdCtlVe.
1t would be impossible to convey in words
an adequate idea of the work exhibited.
The almost endless diversties of sub
included landscapes, marines, studies in still
life and animal life, character sketches, and
SO on.
Such remarkable conceptions Of shade,
harmony and color, such originality in
bringing out character, could be achieved
only under the direction Of teacher who
possesses the faculty of inspiring the
higher aims and ideals in the field of art,
and in this, Zion Schools are particularly for
tunate Visitors, familiar with the best
art exhibits in other cities, expressed amaze
ment at the splendid work accomplished.
Passing into the Art Room proper, con
tanning the work of the Preparatory or
advanced students, the visitor found such
a wealth and profusion of splendid drawings
that he was amazed at their variety
The work in this room was entirely in
dividua Much of it was done directly
from life studies. The materials used were,
for the most part pastel crayons and art
paper or pastel board. The latter is super
ior to art paper in that it gives a much more
vivid effect.
There were shaded woodland scenes,
delightful to the eye Of anyone brought UP
in the hill country, recalling a thousand
cherished memories of childhood days !;
there was the ocean spray, dashing against
the rock-bound coast; there were deer in
the forest timidly approaching stream for
drink and one might go on outlining the
subjects indefinitely.
A picture of winding stream, showing
water birches, grassy slopes and water re-
hections, with clouds in the distance and
golden sunset in the West, was of espe-
cial merit Other pictures by the same pu-
pill were remarkable for their fidelity to
nature, wealth of detail and delcacy of
execution
A sunset scene in Venice was an espe-
cially difficult subject, the quaint Venetian
architecture, the misty, shadowy outlines in
the hazy atmosphere, the subdued glow of
the sinking sun, the darling gondolas and
the swell of the blue sea all having been
faithfully delineated
A character drawing of two Children
brother and -contendedly eating
their simple repast of bread and milk, be-
fore retiring, reminded us pleasantly Of
similar experiences in our own childhood.
A beautiful furry kitty, casting her re-
Election in fish bowl, while she intently
watched the swimming red occupants,
caught the attention. also an excellent pic
ture of an aged music teacher coaching his
pupil, little miss of seven, in her first piano
lesson, was particularly pleasing.
There were some excellent black and
white charcoal drawings; however, the
greater part of the work on display was in
pastel = the soft blendings. the remarkable