H.B. ART SOCIETY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 146, 5 June 1936, Page 11

H.B. ART SOCIETY

Review of the Year’s Activities The annual report of the Hawke’s Bay Art Society, which waa presented at the society’s annual meeting last night, makes pleasant reading for those who have interested themselves in securing an Art Gallery and Museum for Napier and whose efforts reached a certain stage of fulfilment during the year just past. On July 18, 1935, the foundation stone was laid by the Gov. ernor-General, Viscount Galway, and on February 12, 1936, the opening ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Waiapu, when some 170 members and other subscribers attended that most enjoyable funetioM' “The usual annual exhibition of pictures travelling on the rO<* Of the association. along with work .a local artists, was held in July,” says the report. “This was a very good exhibition, but owing to the rough weather experienced during the whole period of the exhibition the attendance of the public was poor and the result shows a deficit of £lO 11/10. The usual art

union was run in connection with tho exhibition. We look forward with pleasure to holding the next annual exhibition in the new Art Gallery in July next. “The organising secretary of the building committee reports that up to date £2325 has been raised and paid over to the contractor. A very notable feature, and one reflecting credit upon the people of Hawke’s Bay, is the fact that a hundred per cent, of the promises made at the opening of the campaign have been redeemed. There is still £lOO owing on the building, aud other liabilities in the form of fees. etc., brings the total indebtedness to £250. Against this we have a promise of £250 as a grant from the Borough Council. WeW shall therefore shortly be out of debt. “The council has worked together well during a strenuous year and wish to thank all those who have given their time and assistance in tho work at the gallery. “Mrs Carlile resigned during the year and Mr J. Tatlers.-dl was appointed to tho vacancy. Air Al. R. Smith has also resigned from the council ow nig to his appointment to the staff of the Wellington Technical College; while regretting his departure we congratulate him on his promotion.

“The council members to retire but who are eligible for re-election are Mesdames Harvey and Mitchell and Messrs Hurst, Theakstone and Tattersail. “The council wish to thank on behalt of the society all those who have made gifts of exhibits and pictures for the Art Gallery and Museum and more particularly Lady McLean for her many and valuable gifts. We are indeed fortunate to be able to start with such a very fine permanent collection. “No further purchases of pictures have been made during the year, but a sum has been spent on framing a number of the prints purchased by the society in England last year. There is a credit in the picture account of £2l 7/“A sketch club has just been formed among some of the artist and student members for the purpose of improving their art. At present they meet once a week.”