Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1922-05-17
ART FURTHERANCE,
SESSION KEYNOTE
Federation Delegates Urge
Cooperation for National
Appreciation.

Cooperation and coordination to
further build up an organization to
instill into the nation and appreciation
and understanding Of the helpfulness
of art on the future generations was
| emphasized by all the speakers at the
| first regular meeting today Of the
American Federation Of Arts. which
opened its thirteenth annual conven-
ton with q special session at Me
| mortal Continental Hall last night
This mornings business session was
held in the auditorium of the Cor
coran Art Gallery, presided over by
the president. Robert w. de Forest. -,
A marked advancement along all
!! alton during the past year was an
| nounced in the report Of the secre-
| tary. Miss Leila Mechlin. whom Mr..
De Forest introduced as the real ex-
| ecutive head OF the federation" Her
| report, an exhaustive one dealing
with every phase Of the work being
| carried on. took up the greater part
of the morning.
Exhibits ON Increase.
twenty-five new chapters had been
| formed during the year, Miss Mechlin
spoke at length on the increased
number OF travelling exhibits OF pic
lures that had been sent throughout
| the country and the enthusiasm with
| winch they had been received every
where. as evidenced by numerous let
| tiers which she read telling Of the
large audiences attracted. not only
at the regular chapter exhibits, but
also at state and county fairs, col
leges and other institutions where
the pictures have been shown.
| She pointed out that most of these
collections sent on tour. consisting
| of landscapes, portraits, old masters,
| etchings, etc. had been gathered to-
| gether here in Washington. greatly
facilitated by the aid of the Cor
had been done, she said, was to send
| group of the works of present-day
western artists through the east to
make better known the accomplish
| ments Of that school.
Miss Mechlin also described the
great strides that had been made in
the illustrated lectures that the fed
GRAFTON sends out and the splendid
receptions which they have received.
and urged that a. circulating library
on art be established for educational
work. In ending her speech she made
strong plea for more members. mot
alone to get more money to carry on
the work of the federation, but as
being one of the best known ways of
making the world less materialistic."
SO-OpSTdllOn eIOTI between tHe leu
GRAFTON and its chapters in preparing
and creating interest in exhibits and
teaching the press the news value in art
material was urged in the speech Of
the extension secretary, Richard F.
Bach. Paul H. Grurnmann told Of the
success in popularizing the exhibits In
the west and urged that supplementary
meetings of the federation be held every
year in some western city.
Trensurer's Report Read.
In the absence of Charles D. Norton,
Frederick Delano read the treasurer's
report. which showed a small gain fer
the year.
At the special meeting last night
which opened the convention. Chief
Justice Taft spoke on Washington as
one of the most beautiful cities of the
world. how Washington and Jefferson
with the plans of LEnfant had used
judgment and foresight in starting
; it, and how all America favored car
rying on the Identification to the
fullest extent.
"All Americans take a personal in
terest in Washington" the Chief JUS
tice said. when they come here they
feel a certain proud proprietorship
and it is seldom that they do not
indorse every project to add to the
splendor and dignity of the city"
Jules Jusserand. the French am
bassador. calling himself one of the
| oldest inhabitants. urged further
building up of Washington along the
old lines and Thomas Nelson Page.
| former ambassador to Italy, spoke on
| Art and the Future Of America"