The Fine Arts Association Conversazione.

Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 26, 17 June 1886, Page 2

The Fine Arts Association Conversazione.

The conversazione which was hold in the Colonial Museum last evening, uudor tho auspices of tho Fino Arts Association, must bo rogarded as a great success. The affair was tlie first of thojdnd wbich-the Association has undertaken, and its snecess is therefore the moro gratifying. Tbe attendance was very large, tho company being thoroughly representative. The Council issued about 600 invitations, and it is estimated that over 500 ladies and gentlemen wero present. Hjs Excellency the Governor and Lady Jervois had intimated thoir intention of attending, but in consoquence of tho death of a rolative, neither Sir William nor his lady was present. The display of works of art by members of the Association was, considering the early stage of tho institution's history, exceedingly creditable, and was an ample proof of tho existenco of considerable talent in our midst. Many of tho exhibits were tbo productions of artists rosiding out of Wellington, having been lent by friends of the Association, and to tho kindness of theso ladies and gentlemen the Council are indebted for a good deal of the excellent cft'oct made by tho general display.. Tho large lecture-room was occupied by statuary and engravings, and othor Works of art wore on view in different parts of tho Museum. Tho whole building was well lighted, and although tho company was numerous, there was ample room for promenading. Amongst the oil-paintings, a portrait by Miss Sperrey of an old Wellington resident attracted a good share of attention. Some of Mr.. Gully's paintingß of New Zealand scenery wero exhibited by Mr. C. D. Barraud, who also showed a large number of sketches of scenes in the Hpt Lako district. These and a number of photographic views taken in tho samo district, lent by tho Rev. W. H. West, wero scanned with much interest, on account of the recent volcanio disturbances in that part of the island. Mr. C. J. Toxward sent a largo collection of photographs and engravings of buildings in Europe, celebrated for their architectural beauty. A portrait of Mr. W. R. E. Brown, Registrar-General, and his brother, painted by Sir J. E. Millais whon tho artist was a More youth, was shown by Mr. Brown. Oil paintings were exhibited by Mesdamos M'Dougall and C. W. Riohmond, Messrs. Grady, E. Brandon, H. F. Logan, Wrigglesworth, and others", whilo water colonrs were shown by Messrs. T. K. Macdonald, Butts, A. D. Riley, Kirk, E. Brandon and others. ' Tho statuary included three life-size figures. About a dozen microscopes, sent by the Wellington Microscopical Socioty, were extensively used during the ovening and afforded a means of exhibiting a number of natural wonders. Misa E. Trahair.Osborne, a recent acquisition to local musical circles, sang the cavatina "Vißawiso," from Bellini's "La Sonambula," "O, -Bay of Dublin " (Lady Dufferin), and " St. Cecilia's Reverio" (C. S. Thomas, Wellington) the last-mentioned with piano and violoncello ! accompaniment. Misa Osborno possesses a well-cultivated voice of considerable ' power, which was heard to great advantage, more especially in the song "O, Bay of Dublin." Master E. Kinfr supplied the pianoforte accompaniments to the .songs j "Vi Ravsiso" and "O, Bay of Dublin," while in "St. Cecilia's Reverie" Miss Osborne accompanied herself on the piano, the composer rendering a violoncello obbligato. At intervals during tho evening Mr.' E. J. King's band played choice selections of music.