ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION

Evening Star, Issue 19712, 12 November 1927, Page 3

ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION

OPEHED LAST NIGHT Every tiling was in order for the opening of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society’s annual exhibition in the Early Settlers’ building last might, and the programme was carried out as included a- number of artists, some ot them Irom a distanceMr J. Loudon (president) said that, in opening the 51st annual exhibition of the Otago Art Society, which, as they knew, was now incorporated with the Dunedin Public Art Gallery bociety, lio desired, to thunk those picsent for their attendance. He regretted that the usual function,_ owing to the restricted space at their disposal, could not be held. J'licy hoped, however, in the early part of next year to arrange a function at their new habitat on Logan Park, when as many citizens as possible would he given an opportunity to view their lino collection in the new surroundings. Speaking of the present exhibition, ho did not himself claim to speak as an artist, but ho was informed on gooc authority that the work presented .was quite equal, if not superior, to that of any previous exhibition. One gratifying feature was the largo number of rig'll re or portrait works, which ii nmst cases had reached a high level of excellence. The shortness of space at its disposal had rendered the work of the Hanging Committee rather difficult, but lie felt lie could congratulate them on making the best of the position. (Applause.) Another unfortunate result of this was that it was found impossible this year to accommodate the Photographic Society. Its contribution to the society’s exhibitions had always proved a most attractive adjunct, and he wished, no behalf of the council, to tender to that society its sincere regrets.' An alteration had been made in connection with the art union, which he trusted would meet with the approval of subscribers. This would bo drawn on the first day of the exhibition, instead of the last. He desired to thank the Otago Early Settlers’ Association for the kind and generous way they had met them in connection with the temporary use of the hall. (Applause.) Ho then formally declared the 1927 exhibition open, and asked those present to join him in the hope that the exhibition would be a complete success, both in the matter of attendances and in the sale of pictures on behalf of artists. (Applause.) The drawing for prizes, 19 in number, then took place. First prize went to Mr A. E. Ilsherwood, second to Mr Tloy 'H. Fraser, third to Mr J. I). M'Kechnie, and fourth to Mr G. LDenniston.

Tho exhibition will be open for a fortnight.