Evening star., 1948-12-01
Liberal Judgment of Art
TO the Editor Of The Star:


TO the Editor Of The Star:
Controversy in Washington art circles has
been at new pitch of interest and excitement
since o three-person jury 1.-TWO from out OF
town. selected from over 800 submissions only
20 works for the Third Annual Exhibition OF
Work by Artists Of Washington and Vicinity at
the Corcoran Gallery Of Art.
In my opinion, 1t was not the setting Of too
high standards that resulted in such a small
selection and representation, but limited ap-
probation of art on the part OF the jury caused
by inadequate standards The aim OF the show
was not achieved by the jury and the Corcoran
Gallery is to be recommended for its action in
mending the unpleasant situation by hanging
Salon des Refuses which represents true
cross section and allows every one to judge for
himself Creativeness is not for the few alone.
I would like to present set of standards
which I believe to be much higher than any
used by the jury that would result In larger,
more representative selection Of high caliber
believe in juries and judgng-liberal judg-
ment-because unjudged shows inevitably pro-
duce incompetence, charlatanism. dishonesty
and ignorance Gas opposed to profound es-
thetic effect) which only confuse and help
to destroy the honest profound art which may
be present Liberal judgment demands: l. A
writing, music, painting, sculpture, architecture,
drama and the rest may be judged in terms
of it, 2 A humble attitude, an attitude Of one
who realizes that he can judge only in terms
of his own background and experience and
therefore does not know everything there Is to
know about art. 3. A knowledge Of art, its his
tory, its thinkers its schools, its aims. its pur-
poses its effects and other facets. 4. The ability
to feel, to perceive esthetically. 5. A tolerance
for the other mans sincere efforts and his way
Of achieving effects. 8. strict attention toward
the elimination Of charlatanisrn, dishonesty and
obvious lack of serious intent. IA love OF fellow
man and his efforts that does not discriminate
bindly, cynically or selfishly, but serves toward
one end-better art in better world OF human
beings Liberal Judgment and the authority 1T
carries demand wisdom because, unfortunately,
it is also Judgment for others who come, see
and accept Its results as standard OF the
"good," in spite Of their own ability to Judge IN
some measure for themselves. BY these stand
ards of liberal judgment, one can appreciate the
more.
Because of emotional bias and the particu-
larry individual backgrounds OF all human
beings no Judgment Is perfect, right and final
in all ways. It can be liberal to make UP for
the imperfect human element These are high
STANDARDS WHICH ChH NC dppIlcu 90 "eh w VAC
art of everyday living. CHARLES c. SH1NN.
Un.American Committee Praised
To the Editor of The Star:
Irrespective of the parlor pinks Commu.
mist Party fellow travellers and others who
feel they must apologize for our American
way of life in comparison with fraudulent dis
honest and degrading communism, The Star
is to BE- commended for printing such an
apologize letter By Robert Scott in the No
ven,ber 20 iss,le ANY intelligent person reading
the letter apologizing to Communists in Amer
lea for the very admirable action Of the House
Un.Anerican Activities Committee must fully
realize that Mr.. SCOTS sterile and negative
attitude toward our American way of life is
utterly devoid Of any worthwhile results.
We all realize that nothing made by man
is perfect in all respects, but the fine efforts
OF the House Un-American Activities Com
mittee to bring before the public the men
acing methods of Reds in high Government
ofices in Protestant church groups. in the
misnaned progressive education prevalent
in public schools Of Washington and nearby
Montgomery County, and In other aspects OF
mental control, are efforts worthy Of COM