Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-31

In regard TO future acquisitions therefore be it
resolved that the American Federation of Arts.
in convention assembled, recommends that
hereafter all portraits designed for display in
department building in Washington shall be
painted by American artists Of recognized
standing that such portraits shall be executed
in oil. Of suitable size. and shall be framed
in simple frame of good design. Also that in
each building suitable wall spaces shall be.set
apart for the display Of such portraits and that
means be taken to bring existing portraits into
as much order as may be possible, with regard
to size and framing, to the end that the require
mentS OF history, Of good order and of good taste
shall be promoted and be it resolved that a
copy OF these resolutions be sent to the Cabinet
officer in charge of each of the departments
and be it further resolved that a copy of these
resolutions be transmitted to the President of
the United States, so that, should he deem ad-
visable, he may issue an executive order on the
subject"
The extent to which the Government is a
patron of art in this particular is not generally
known, and the fact that some of these por-
traits in the past have been obtained as anV
other commodity, through the medium of ad-
vertised bids, is perhaps best forgotten. In
early days and in recent years these portraits
have been commissioned from painters of high
standing and distinction, and in this way some
notable works of art have come into the DOS
session Of the various departments. The purpose
of the resolution quoted is obviously to safe
guard the selection of painters in the future
and to make these portraits an appropriate
part OF the decoration Of the buildings in which
they are given prominent placement, as well as
historical sequence. Its presentation and adop-
ton at the convention of our national art
organization evidences q widespread interest
throughout the country in such matters.
HE Summer exhibition at the Arts Club OF
Washington, consisting of paintings by
members Is exceedingly interesting. In the
drawing room and dining room are water
colors, 26 In number, while in the auditorium
are hung % paintings in oils. Possibly because
of more congenial setting, the water colors in
this instance seem the more meritorious and
attractive. Pictures undoubtedly appear to
better advantage when not too much on parade
Over the mantel in the drawing room is hung.
in the place of honor, a very colorful and ex-
ceedingly well painted still life, 1.-The Brass Tea
kettle" by Margaret D. Dawson who it will be
remembered, some time ago held a one-man
exhibition at the club which at the time
evidenced her skill and adaptabty L. M.
Leisenring shows two paintings in this collec-
ton, one of Rocks and Pines,' the other of
River, East Kennebunkport," Maine both well
composed and broadly rendered There is a
characteristic painting by Elizabeth Sawtele of
a boat, "Oh Martinique" and charming rem
dition Of a thatched cottage in Dorset by Edith
Hoyt From Susan B. Chase comes flower
study, Decoration; from Ruth P. Stafford q
study Of hlacs and from Mary Lukens a color
full painting of tulips, while Emma Duer Rice
shows a study of asters Alice M. Addison
shows two portraits. one of young girl Ann"
strongly modelled and individualistic
OF unusual interest is group of five water
colors, humorous and delightful by Hugo
linden, in the modern mode. but full of origi-
nality and wit.
Among the oil paintings portraits by Mathilde
M. Leisenring, The Shell" and Young.
Pianist" stand out because of colorful charm
and subtle significance. Catherine Crtcher
makes notable contribution in her study Of
Indians and of still-life group. Alice L. L.
FerguSon's Buffalo Mountain" has great charm.
that of simplicity in composition and of subtle
color, both expressive, however, Of bulk and
strength in formation.
Anne Fuller Abbott shows q portrait study
IN costume entitled BAL Boheme," direct in
rendering. From Lillian Giffen has come The
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