Evening star., 1934-04-29

Pennell But it Is right and reasonable that
machinery and those who use machinery
should be presented in this pictorial review Of
contemporary life. One Of the best of these
representations Is a painting entitled Paper
Workers." which shows men as robots tending
great machines in motion. Another kindred
subject is of prospector drilling for gold.
Gold Is Where You Find It."
It should not be thought that all of the
works in this exhibition are by unknown
painters. In few instances they are, tragical-
ly enough, by painters unemployed in Decem-
Der, 1888, who had long since won renown.
but these are distinctly and happily in the
minority. In some instances artists of dis
tinction have painted picture at this time
because of interest in the project and have
donated it to the governmental collection.
Among the latter is John Sloan, who as preSi-
dent Of the Independent Artists, has long been
regarded leader in the advance guard.
But how brief is fame, how uncertain leader
ship? The painting which Mr.. Sloan con-
tributes to this exhibition is hung in the dark
est and most inconSpicuouS corner and. Sor.
rowfully enough belongs there.
There are comparatively few marine paint
tngs in this exhibition possibly because the
sea Is common property. upon which we in
America have no special claim. Gloucester
scenes are conspicuously absent from this ex-
hibition and in their place have come scenes
in the Middle West which is a relief, perhaps,
as well as novelty. There are barber shops.
beauty parlors, Victorian drawing rooms dreary
back yards. There is a letter box at a cross
road and all sorts of common things and
common people. set forth with stark realism
and with little intimation Of potential divinity
or beauty.
Barrett H. Clark said once that what in
terests a crowd Is what it knows on the one
hand and what it dreams of on the other"
We have here to great extent In this exhibi-
ton what the crowd knows, but unfortunately.
very little information in regard to its dreams.
It Is true, as the late Otto Kahn once said,
that 'the lives of the vast majority of the
people are cast upon a background Of same
ness and routine, for which reason it Is all
the more important to occasionally give our
souls an airing by turning to those pas
lures where beauty and inspiration may be
gathered" Sadly enough, these pastures" In
this exhibition are strangely barren Albert
Sterner, eminent painter and etcher, in an
article on related subject recently published
in Harper's Magazine. reminds us, however
that IN all periods the minor artist has made
bald realistic reports of the actualities, useful
and valuable as historical documents, but that
only the poet creates great art, the art that
encompasses the spirit of the mysterious enigma
Of life, bearing order and serenity into the
passing chaos. Patience!
OF the 81 paintings in this exhibition selected
by the President and Mrs. Roosevelt to hang
in the lobby and waiting room Of the executive
Offices, mention was made in the news columns
of The Star at the time Of the opening Of the
exhibition These works include paintings by
Paul Starrett Sample and Millard Sheets of
California, Herbert E. Dunton of Taos, N Mex,
and Julius Bloch of Philadelphia, all painters
of distinction. Also included in this group Is
a painting by Elizabeth Dewey of this city
titled Digging Out" a scene frequently
enacted here during the past Winter.
Our local artists are particularly well repre-
sented, numerically, in this exhibition, works
kvy1 hoiy, inch r0ff folyir int
account, except through Photographic repre-
sentation, the works by Garnet Jex and his
associates at the Zoo, which are Of most ex-
cellent quality.
This exhibition, which by the way, Is ad-
mirably and most effectively set forth, affords
much material for inspection as well as
thoughtful consideration. As it will remain
on view until May 20, every one should have
opportunity to see and study it.
At THE Arts Club of Washington, opened
" this afternoon with a private view and
tea, exhibitions of paintings by Everett War
ner, formerly of this city and now of Pittsburgh,
and Maurice Day Of Damriscotta, Me. Mr..
Warner has many friends in Washington and
Is well known here through residence and
through repeated exhibition Of his works. He
Is q painter, an etcher and a very excellent
teacher. His works will be shown in the club
gallery. Mr.. Days paintings will be placed on
display in the drawing room. Mr.. Day was a
pupil of the Boston Museum School and has
made a name for himself an illustrator of
childrenS books.
Miss Marian Lane and Miss Mary Lewis Hall
will be hostesses at the tea this afternoon.
A EXHIBITION of woodcuts by the Wood
n cut Society opened April % in the division
of graphic arts, Smithsonian Building. to con-
tinue to May 20. This is comparatively young
society, which has come into existence through