Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1920-02-19
EXHIBIT IN ST PAUL WELL attended
MRS GEORGE w PAULUs' ODUCTORY AT PAUL
EXHIBIT OF HLUMINATIONS

In bringing this work to st Paul
it is with the hope that it may be a
pleasure to you all and perhaps an in
spiration to some. Art is one of the
keynotes Of worthwhile civilization:
but l need hardly tell you that. The
charming way in which you have plan
ned and carried out the arrange
ments for this exhibit tell plainly
of your appreciation Of art. | have
always loved St. Paul and shall love
you more than ever.
The more we know of something
that is really good, the greater is our
enjoyment of it, so I am going to tell
you some things | have been learning
of the art of Illuminating.
This was practically a lost art for
many years, at least that includes
the use of gold leaf A great love Of
the work is necessary for success be-
cause that is the only thing that
would give one the necessary pa
tience to persevere to perfection.
There is a press in Boston that uses
the gold leaf on beautiful book bind
ings. They say that it takes four
years to teach one to put it on, and 1t
is very expensive as so much gold IS
wasted in learning. Those who enjoy
this work the most are they who have
tried with brush and pen for months
and years to do it.
"Our art is not in the public view
and the number of devoted friends Is
limited. I have heard that Mr.. Ric-
ketts in his first year here could mus
ter only one man who appreciated
what he saw. But | am hopeful IN
this as in many other ways because
ALL is in the hands of God who
strikes the balance for everything.
The greater part of the world is
vet concerned with subduing the raw
materials in nature and l believe
everything will be right at the right
hour, if we heartily live and do our
part"
We are commanded to do ali things
to the honor and glory of God. In
our present understanding of God, we
know that does not meanthat we must
assume a pious expression and sol
emn air; but as God is the spirit of
Beauty and Harmony, of Good IN
all things, it is an easy and delightful
thing to do him honor. The true obj
ect of the study of art is to become
cultured in t. Culture was defined
by that graceful Euglish writer, Mat
thew Arnold, as Knowing and low
inc the best that has been said and
done in the world" Art makes an
appeal to man in three ways, it may
be an appeal to the sences; If music,
to the ear; if painting, the eye; it
may appeal to the intillect, kind OF
mental appreciation: but in the high
est appeal that art can make is to
the heart, lifting one to a holier state
of mind. Man may live in material
world, which is advanced but siren
uous-as has been said "Much study
is wearines of the flesh" or he may
| live above it all in a spiritual state
where one relaxes in the conscious
ness Of omnipresent Good. Every
thing that helps to lift one to this
state is a boon to man. In this
spiritual state of mind, one feels like
calling to everyone Merry Christ
mas, Happy New Year, Good Morn
ing" as spontaneously as the robins
call their Springtine "Cheer up
If children learn to love that which
is truly beautiful in color and sound.
it will be pleasure thru life. "a
thing of beauty is joy forever"
We append two write-ups published
in the Pioneer Press and the st. Paul
Daily News, as follows:
Because of the interest in the IL
Illuminated art exhibit of George w.
| Paulug, Grand Rapids, Wis, which