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Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 230, 28 September 1929, Page 18

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SOCIETY OF ARTS. NEW EXHIBITION GALLEBI SOLICITING PUBLIC SUPPORT. Temporary premises are being lease by the Auckland Society of Arts t replace the hall in Kitchener Streel which was sold some time ago. Dr. E B. Gunson, president of the society, i) making this announcement to member* at.the annual meeting last evening, sai< that negotiations were in progress witl the City Council and the University Col lego Council for accommodation in tin proposed School of Fine Arts; but, ii the meantime, a hall was necessary foi the society's exhibitions. Accommodation had been secured ir the new Queen's Arcade, near the Dil worth Building, Dr. Gunson stated. Tin floor space, measuring 95ft by 32ft, or the second floor, was large enough t( enable the society to have a permanent gallery for the display of work, and alsc to provide facilities for the Sketch Club Overhead lighting was being provided. 11 would be only a few weeks before the society would be in possession. Although it was deemed necessary foi the progress of the society to have a permanent exhibition building, it was also thought that its activities should extend further afield. For example, workroom accommodation was required) and a demonstration and social room, with seating room for at least a hundred, was considered a necessity. While the expense involved might entail breaking slightly- into the capital account, it was considered that the need was sufficiently urgent to justify this step. Increased membership was anticipated as a result of the proposed action. Criticism-, of the society's action in choosing an Australian picture as first prize in the art union, before any consideration had been given. to Auckland artiste, was expressed by Mr. D. J. Payne. In his opinion local .talent was deserving of the greatest help and first consideration. Mr. A. J. Brown said he- considered himself responsible for the departure. The idea was that the display of the selected picture would arouse increased interest in the exhibition. . "I would like to add," said Mr. Brown, "that the winner, Mr.'Cedric Savage, though., living it present in Australia, was originally Ln New Zealand. Objection • was raised by Dr. Mildred Staley to the exhibition of a number of paintings by Elam School of Art stulents. She gave as her reason that euch ivorks were very immature and were a hindrance to more experienced artists. She also criticised the great number of iTchitectural drawings. The report and 'balance-sheet were adopted. A tribute was paid to tie memory of the late Mr. J. H. Upton, a former vicepresident of the society, and .Mrs. J. Finn, Mr. M., Tmrwith and Mr. A. V. Emit, late artist members. Officers were elected as follows: — President, Dr. E. B. Gunson; vice-prcsi-:lents, Messrs. A. S. Boyd, E. W. Payton, EL E. Vaile, an, O. Nicholson; executive council, Miss I. M. Copeland, Messrs. E. S. Kohn, D. J. Payne, and R. A. Abbott; auditors, Messrs. Morris, Duncan and Gryl'lies.