DOMINICAN CONTENT SCHOOLS.

Evening Star, Issue 8610, 2 September 1891, Page 1

DOMINICAN CONTENT SCHOOLS.

A feature ia connection with the entertainments given during the paet week in these schools, a3 anniversary commemorations, 13 the fine arts collection and fancy needlework display in connection with the young ladies' high Bchool and other branshes of the institution. 'J his collection ia a bewildering crowd of articles of artistic novelties of an unusually high order, presented to the Lady Superior to furnish the approaching bazaar. There are to be seen cushions of costly materials and varied designs, hand-saluted. We may describe one of delicate pink satin ruchtd with pearls, overlapped v.ith fcunset grey satin, a corner of which, lightly and elegantly thrown back, reveals a spray of wiid rose, painted I with the utmost delicacy and perfection. Elegant mirror plaques line the walls. Some, seeming to reflect a tropical Bcene, show a branch of curcuma supporting a bhd of the p*rc qaet species in the act of searching for the rhizjma. Another shows a bunch of corcflowers and irises so arranged as to give the artist full scope for the most delicate touches. On a third is seen a tiger lily of exquisite finish. A new style of painting, called velvet-tinting, first known, we believe, in Canada, and just brought out in these parts, appears to be a higher form of poonah painting, and shows well in tmis handsome banner screens on view, and in an elegant and beautiful cotey with white velvet ground. A mirror plaque showing a view of the Cathedral, with a portion of the City, eea coast, and ooean in the distance, ail true to fact, still reserves a large portion free to reflect other scenes from Nature. Elegantly wrought ivorine plaques —some rtsting on easels, others mounted in plußh—est ibit in succession Borne of the most noted and picturesque points of New Zealand scenery. Xbe fine art collection alone is an attraction of higher order than has yet been offered at bazaars, and simply to see it is a useful lesson on refinement and delicacy of taste in art. The needlework display i shows every variety of fancy work of a novel ; and artistic order. We may notice a few | specimens: Mantel drape on velvet, worked | in arasene gold and pearl embroidery, is one I of the most tastefully-executed articles of i the kind that could ba seen; en a dec-jt crimson velvet cushion ia wrought in relief tha figure of the Archangel of the Annunciation in shaded crystaloria embroidery —an all but forgotten art newly revived, and likely to become very fashionable. A nightdress case in linen pouffet work is strikingly novel; a kdy's chair in aras6»«r, with cerise plush gronnd and dark old gold border, is a costly and handsome article of drawing room furniture; another chair, antique style, carved back, is mounted in the same way as the lady's chair. The articles ju6t given are named as among the most striking out of a crowd of objects of rare finish and excellence. In the plain needlework department -accumulations of dolls' cloihe3, baby linen, baby dresses, and decorations promise suitable clothing to babies and dolls for generations to come. The kindergarten adds to the collection a small building, dubbed Pestalozzi Villa, its suite of apartments furnuhed full in kindergarten style—a liliputian of ingenuity. Near this we noticed the very handsome papier machie writing case, presented by the pupils of St. Joseph's School, whioh reflects great credit on their taste and generosity. We understand that the exhibition to the publio of these works of art is reserved for the period at which the bazaar will be held—viz., 18th October, when the sight of the many beautiful objects now left unmentioned and undescribed will amply repay a visit to the Garrison Hall on that occasion.