OTAGO ART SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 22722, 9 August 1937, Page 14

OTAGO ART SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT The annual report cf the Otago Art Society for the year ended June 30, 1937, states, inter alia:— The 1936 exhibition, which was held in October, included many excellent works by artists from all over New Zealand. An attractive catalogue was produced, in which attention was drawn to the’ fact that this was the diamond jubilee exhibition. There were numerous references in the Press to the excellent work which the society had carried out for 60 years. Iu June the annual winter sketch exhibition of unframed works was held. Owing to the extremely cold weather prevailing, the attendances were not up to expectations. However, with the help'of a 6d art union and through rigid economy, the loss was very small. This exhibition gives an opportunity to many of the younger artists to have their pictures hung publicly, and. in this way, proves interesting and stimulating. In conjunction with the Coronation celebrations in London this year, an exhibition of dominion and colonial art was held. Thirty-two works by New Zealand artists, including 13 from Otago members, were despatched to London. It is interesting to note that the works of some of our members received very high praise from English critics. Mr A. H. M'Lintock, an Otago member, had an etching, ‘ Winter Willows,’ hung in the recent Royal Academy exhibition. Thirty-four of the pictures by Otago artists are now on rota, and have been hung in the northern galleries. We congratulate the King Edward Technical College on the completion of tho new art school, which’ is a fine, commodious building. The wide field of art subjects covered by the teaching staff should do much to stimulate the appreciation of art in the community. At all the exhibitions the two local papers have been very generous and encouraging in the publicity given, and members are very grateful for this generous support. The finances this year show an improvement on the past, in that, instead of a loss, there was an excess of income over expenditure of £5 9s 6cl. The accumulated fund now stands at £2OO 17s 3d. The membership roll stands much the same as last year: Working members, 128 (last year, 120); honorary members, 91 (last year, 92). It will bo observed that there is need for an increase in the number of honorary members, whose subscriptions assist the society in its valuable work. Members may be able to interest their friends in the objects of this society and induce them to join. Again our thanks are due to the Hanging Committee and other members of the council for their work at tho exhibitions. The greatest care is taken in the selection and display, which reflects credit on all concerned. The ladies are untiring in their efforts, and members owe a great deal to their zeal and enthusiasm.

The society’s annual general meeting will be held on August 18, at 8 p.m.