Evening star., 1939-10-22

makes it a work of art-not its sub
ject matter. 1t is the spirit of art
which has enriched and enlightened
the world. This must not be for
gotten. Art" said Rockwell Kent,
lis life' and living is art" The
artists, he declared, wanted to be Of
assistance, to give Of their best-to
their country, to democracy, for
peace.
Mr.. Biddle told of how much more
the Mexicans revered an artist and
made artists welcome to their land
than do we. Mr.. Manship stressed
the value of travel and the greater
truth to be found in an artists
sketch-book than in the tourists
album of photographs With many
others, he advocated personal con-
tact.
Nature Common to All.
At the final session, DR.. John G.
Merriam, eminent scientist. recon-
mended the study of Nature as a
common denominator to better
understanding of the art of the sew
eral American countries, because OF
its near approach to art and its in
f1uence, as background, upon the
lives of the people.
Being called upon at the close for
remarks, Royal Cortissoz. leading
American art critic. recalled say
ing of Whistler's "Art is art and
mathematics are mathematics" de-
claring that while he, too, was
enthusiastic concerning the art OF
living artists, there were some dead
who should be held in remembrance
and that it must be confessed that,
after all, not every living artist was
"a ball of fire'-which, even from
the artists present, brought laugh
ter. The word which Mr.. Cortissoz
wished to see inscribed on the ban
ner of the project under considera-
ton was, Discrimination and
three time he reiterated it. If this
be remembered, success will be as
sured.
This epoch making conference was
brought to an end by the adoption
of resolutions drawn up by find
ings committee and presented by
Mr.. Thompson of the Division OF
Cultural Relations of the State De-
partment. These were, briefly, as
follows:
l. That a representative Continu-
alton Committee be appointed to
study and digest the stenographic
transcript of the discussions and
submit the same to all who, on invi-
tation, attended the conference.
2. That the Continuation Commit
tee draw up definite suggestions for
cooperation in the field of art and
for approaching representative art
groups in other American republics
and submit the same to all members
Of the conference.
3. That Robert Woods Bliss. for
mer Ambassador to Argentina, be
named chairman OF the committee
and that he, in consultation with
the Division of Cultural Relations OF
the Department of State, appoint
members of the group to include
representatives in the various divi-
sions of the field of art-artists
museum directors. educators, crafts
men, designers, etc.
4. That members of the conference
be considered panel from which
the Continuation Committee may be
permitted to draw for advice and
counsel.
What will be the outcome, only
time can prove. but with such lively
and widespread interest, as we'll as
wise and distinguished leadership
much good should result. A similar
conference on music was held under
the same auspices this past week
and others on education and books
are to follow. When craftsmanship
and diplomacy call on the arts for
cooperation and aid, it is good
omen for the cultural life Of our
country.