Evening star., 1921-10-02
Notes of Art and Artists

T.. The death of Bertha E. Perrie,
little more than a fortnight ago. has
cast a shadow of sadness over local
art circles and the opening of the
season. There was none among the
artists of Washington more highly
esteemed or better beloved than sne.
Miss Perrie was born In Washing
ton and educated here. She was a
member Of the Art Students League
and tthe Society Of Washington Ar
fists. For many years she was secre-
tary of the Washington Water Color
. for herself enviable distinction. Her
work was invariably welcomed and
we'll placed in the leading exhibi-
ftans of water colors held in New
York. Philadelphia and other cities.
An exhibition of her water colors was
last spring and was to have been
sent to the American Federation or
Arts on circuit Of the art museums
this winter by special invitation. By
those best qualified to judge her work
was ranked in merit with that of the
foremost water colorists. 1t had not
only charm but exceptional ability.
1t was serious, very sincere. extremely
simple and direct. II made no pretense;
it showed no evidence of striving for
effect; 1t was peculiarly naive and
true. In the possession of these
qualities Miss Ferries work reflected
her personality.
No one was ever more guileless
than she, more true or simple hearted:
Her attitude to the world was that Of
a confiding child, trustful Of its good.
ness. She loved the outdoor world
and was thrilled by beauty wherever
she found it. Her art was her life and
she found untold pleasure in IT.. She
had a happy disposition and an ex-
traordinary ability for casting aside
anxieties which temporarily de.
pressed Despite a somewhat timid
manner. she was quite fearless and
often accomplished undertakings Of
very considerable hardness.
She was an excellent teacher. Upon
the death of James Henry Moser some
water color at the Corcoran School
of Art. and the work of the water
color class during this period upheld
the high standard it had attained
during Mr.. Moser's term of office.
Miss Perrie was also. for long time
and until her death. the teacher of
art at the GunSton Institute. and at
her studio in the old Art Students
League building. sos 18th street. she
conducted private classes. The place
she held was unique and there is no
one to fill it.
been a meeting place of artists. The
Sketch Club met there one evening
week during several past winters. 1t
was also a place of delightful social
gatherings. She had 4 wide circle
of devoted friends and she was q
charming hostess.
Last winter Miss Perrie was chair
man of the exhibition committee of
the Washington Arts Club. and under
her direction series of notable COL
Elections were shown there.
Early in the summer she went to
Gloucester. where this year she had
not merely rooms but Il studio-a
little building on Rocky Neck not far
from those occupied by Mr.. Brecken-
ridge and Miss Felecie Howell. She
was, in her usual health and spent
long days sketching on the wharves,
her specially being the Gloucester fish
ing boats. For couple of weeks she
was ailing. then suddenly came a
change for the worse and. notwith-
standing every care and attention
that friends and skilled physicians
could give. in a few days she was
gone. without even realizing the seri-
BUSINESS of her own condition.
To those who tarry here she seemed
too young to die, for she was but in
middle life and capable of adding
much. through her art. to the sum of
beauty in the world. But her corner
ter and the brighter for her having
lived in it. Her gentle personality
and her sturdy. excellent art will be
much missed. Plans are being made
by a group Of her friends for a me-
mortal exhibition of her work some
time in the near future
The Corcoran Gallery Of Art has
just issued a prospectus for its eighth