Evening star., 1933-03-05
NOTES OF ART AND ARTISTS
ella Mechlin--

OF new xOlk, well KNOWN mlu11%u1e
painter, on the evening Of March 8.
This lecture will be illustrated by nu-
merous stereopticon slides showing the
works Of the leading miniature painters
both Of the past and Of the present In
America, stressing the charm Of the art.
This Is the last lecture In the regular
course for the current season, which
has consisted entirely Of lectures by
DISTINGUISHED artists and craftsmen on
the individual art or craft practiced.
THE inaugural exhibition of the lately
formed National Society Of Inde-
pendent Artists opened in an i'm
provised gallery at 825-27 Seventeenth
street February ~ and will continue
through March II. This exhibition Is
open daily from 10 am. to 10 pm. and
is undoubtedly attracting attention and
creating interest. There Is in 1t nothing
sets ones pulses jumping, either from
10y or anger. It Is the usual semi-ama-
teur showing, but uncommonly well ar
ranged, the works not being alphabet
ically hung, as Is usual in exhibitions
by independent. artists.
But what Is art after all? Certainly
something more than mere represents
ton. something more than beer and
skittles"-facts. Even good painting Is
not sufncient, and Heaven knows we
are not satiated With good painting
these days!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has
lately acquired through gift q portrait,
''The Lady With the Rose" painted by
John Singer Sargent in 1881, when he
was in his 20s. time when. 1t Is said.
he revealed more subtlety in color and
texture. more style in line and form,
than later. It was shown in the Paris
Salon of 1881. calling forth from Henry
James the comment that it Offered the
slightly 'uncanny' spectacle OF a talent
which on the very Threshold Of its ca
reer had nothing more to learn-the
freshness Of youth combined with the
artistic experience. really felt and as
simulated, Of generations" Il do not
know" he continued, why this repre-
sentation Of q young girl in black, cas-
ually holding . flower. should make 50
ineffable an impression and tempt one
But to him 1t seemed to stand for
more artistic truth than II would be
easy to formulate"
How many works by these independent
artists of today are Of such character?
How many seem to combine with the
freshness Of youth an artistic expert
ence Of generations. felt and assimi-
lated? How many tempt one to be-
come almost lyrical in their praise" or
convey without question q vast amount
of artistic truth? To be sure, Sar-
gents are not born every day, but it Is
more Sargents that we need. more who
have the inward, spiritual grace to pro-
duce works not only in grand manner.
k,,t vry{<h if,,o1
ing to all those who see them ineffable
beauty, even II found In homely things,
In that which Is grim and unlovely.
What Is the use Of puttering around
with any mode Of expression If one has
nothing to express? Sounds alone do
not make music: colors and form do
not produce paintings worthy Of eXht-
bition-works Of art. Why should we
| lower our standards2
THE Washington Studio Club Is hold
ing an exhibition Of current works
at the Mount Pleasant branch Of the
Public Library between March and 81.
Alice Fitzgerald is showing her beauti-
full book containing the translations of
and Illuminated. An historical map Of
interesting workmanship by Eddie
Groves and portraits in oil and pencil
| by Olga Holmes, as well as screens
hand-blocked designs for material
water colors, block prints and book
cover designs represent the versatility OF
this young group Of Washington artists
THE fourth meeting Of Henry B
SHELLS Concours of Professional
Artists and Advanced Students will be
held on Tuesday. March Z. at $3.50 pm
at the Abbott School, 1924 H street
northwest. Work In any medium may
be brought in for criticism at this time
Mr.. Smell is one of the leading teach
erS in this country. as well as q painter
Of exceptional distinction. The oppor-
tunity Of taking work to him for criti-
cism and hearing his criticism Of works
by others Is exceptional. Further par
ticulars in regard to this privilege can
be obtained from the Abbott School.
EXHIBITIONS Of paintings by An
l. thony Theme and Sarah Baker
open at the Arts Club, 2017 E street.
this afternoon, when tea will be served
from 4:30 to pm, MI. and Mrs
George E. Hoover acting as hosts.
Mr.. Theme. who has Summer school
of art at Rockport, Mass. has had ex-
ceptional success with his painting, win
ming many prizes and selling his works
to private collectors and public mu
seums, securing the admiration Of the
public and the respect Of his profes-
sional colleagues.
Miss Baker Is q member Of the fel-
lowship of the Pennsylvania Academy
Of the Fine Arts and Of the Society of
Washington Artists. One of her well
known works is an altar decoration for
st. Johns Church, Mclean, Va.