Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-03-24
RICHARD T. pooNER
On Art Week

A RI WEEK in Philadelphia is expected
"A by its promoters not only to arouse
more general public interest in the hne ar,s
In the city, but also to bring prominently
before the country the fact that fhilauel
phia is one Of the greatest art centers VI
the United States and to have its own citi-
zens and the people Of the country clearly
realize that fact, according to Kichard L.
Dooner, president of the organization having
the movement in charge and the originator
of the idea.
'.The plan for an Art Week in Philadel-
mia is not altogether q new one," said Mr..
Dooner. "As a matter of fact, some OF us
have had It In mind for about three years.
but one thing or another has seemed 10
interfere with its successful Accomplishment
until this time. But now there is every IN
dication that it will 60 through successfully,
and certainly the art status OF the city de-
serves more recognition than has been ac.
corded to it both at home and throughout
the country.
Pl,ilalelphia's Art Claims
"Just consider for moment the position
which Philadelphia should occupy as one of
the great art cities of the Nation. 1t Is the
oldest Of the art centers OF the United
States, and art In many forms fourished
here long before 1t was recognized In many
other places. philadelphia has the Oldest
Academy of the Fine Arts in the country,
the Oldest Art Club and the second Oldest
Academy Of Music.
"But 1t seems almost necessary to call the
attention of our own people as well as that
OF the country at large to these facts. AS an
outstanding fact against this splendid
record Of accomplishment In all the fine arts
in former days, it is frequently necessary for
many of our artists to 60 to New York and
other large cities for their market. and this
statement, while 1t applies in a greater or
less degree to all the forms OF art. is espe-
cially true of painting and Of illustration.
"Many of our artists send their work to
New York and many Philadelphia patrons
of art go to that city and purchase there the
work which was done in Philadelphia. Some
Of our illustrators do the same thing, and /
have actually known cases where the Phila-
dclphia artist and the Philadelphia pur-
chaser both went to New York, and the
transaction which shoul Id have been made in
the home city of both was cOnsummated
there, less, Of course, the expenses Of both
and the commission OF the New York art
dealer.
Sell Home Pictures Here
"It Is also true that New York art dealers
frequently come to Philadelphia and sell in
this city pictures painted by PHILADELPHIA
artists, and the same thing is true Of many
Of the other forms of art, especially of illus
trations. We have for years educated many
OF the best American artists here und then
sent them to the other large cities, there to
acquire the fame which by every right
should be ours. We do not recognize suff
GENTLY what We have here, and vet Philn
delphia creates the fuel which keeps the fires
OF art burning in practically every other
center of the country.
''These arc the things which we hope to
overcome, or at least make substantial
beginning in overcoming through Art Week.
The purpose Is not to advertise any artist
or group of artists nor to help them to sell
their work, although many of the works ex-
hibted will be for sale. The primary object
is 10 SELL Philadelphia as great art center
and as an equally great art cducative center,
III we can accomplish this the hardest work
will have been done.
''The leading artists Of Philadelphia have
entered into the plans for Art Week with
interest and enthusiasm. John Frederick
Lewis, president of the Academy of the Fine
Arts, has consented to act as honorary
presidetC of the Art Week organization, and
among - vice presidents are such artists
in the various media as Charles Gratiy.
Hugh II. breckenridge, Violet Oakley, Dan
iel CARRIER and many others, while artists
of equally high standing have consented TO
serve OH the various committees. Therefore
in the important matter Of the personnel Of
the organization we have secured the sun.
port Of the best workers that even this city
Of great artists can give.
The Leading Features
Zone OF the most interesting and iu.
portant features q Art Week viii b the
strset)5 5Shibition. In this we have the co,