Manawatu Art Society's Exhibition

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7191, 24 June 1933, Page 7

Manawatu Art Society's Exhibition

final day or show. The Manawatu Society of Arts' second annual exhibition held, in conjunction with the National Dairy Show will close this evening. Although public patronage has been rather disappointing, this display of representative works of New Zealand art has been greatly admired, and it is pleasing to noto that about £4O worth of pictures have been sold during the past few days. Among tho more notable sales is the very choice flower study by Miss Kathleen Salmond, of Dunedin. I his picture was greatly admired both in the Christchurch aud Auckland exhibitions, and was reproduced in the Canterbury Art Society’s catalogue, but it had to come to Palmerston North to find a purchaser. A choice water colour by Mr. A. Hansen (Auckland) and the much-admired study of rintus in the same medium by Miss Ella Spicer (Auckland) also ' found purchasers, while Miss Muriel O. Wilson’s clever etching, “The Frantic Mother,” found purchasers both in Wellington and Palmerston North. Otter works are under consideration by art-lovers, and it is expected further sales will bo negotiated to-day. One of the pleasing features of the exhibition has been the evidence that steady progress is being made by members of the Manawatu (Society. Indeed, some of tho most outstanding works on show arc from the palettes of Manawatu painters. Miss Marion Tylcc, who is a resident of Pahiatua, shows six works, four oils and two water colours. Her “Girl Sewing” is one of the notable contributions to the exhibition, a telling exposition of the difficult problem of interpreting sunlight filtering through foliage. In all her other works Miss Tylee shows individuality of outlook and strength of execution. Quite one of the best portraits is Miss Dorothy Turner’s “Eve and Adam’s Pcrmain,” an arresting piece of work painted with almost masculine strength, with a nico appreciation of colour and tone subtleties. Miss Turner shows other strong studies in the figure aud has also a most interesting aquatint of the new concrete bridge in tho Gorge. Mention has already been mado of the portraits of Miss Julia B. Lynch ((Sister Lawrence), and a great deal of interest has been shown in them, particularly in the beautifully executed jiortrait of her father, perhaps the finest character study in the exhibition. Mr. G. H. Eliiot, the veteran water colourist, has a number of characteristic studies, including two charming transcripts of English landscape. The president (Mr. D. W. Low) and the vice-president (Mr. It. 11. Billcns) are represented by interesting essays in oil aud pastel, while Mr. Hi. Billens, senr., who is in his 83th. year, shows that ho still retains a gift for colour and vigour of execution. Exhibiting for the first time Mr. J. H. Tetley has three small oils remarkable for their appreciation of tho colour subtleties of nature and full of promise for the ftuure. A number of the members of tho Palmerston Society have been content with exhibits in black and white. The secretary (Miss Muriel C. AVilsou) further adds to her growing reputation as an etcher in her six exhibits which reveal increasing control of technique and an unusual, insight into the character and charm of childhood. Pencil studies from the life are contributed by Mrs. A. E. R. Joblin, Mrs. F. D. Opie and Miss Molly Deidrich, each showing individuality of treatment and outlook combined with considerable technical skill, Miss Dcidrich’s work particularly compelling attention. Much favourable comment has been heard on two pencil portraits, the work of a patient in the public hospital,

Percy Rhodes. Mr. Gcof. AY hisker, now a resident of AVhakatane, shows a series of charming little water colour studies of tho Bay* of Plenty and Mrs. Simpson (AYoodviile) has a nice little effort in the same medium. Among the craft workers Mr. J. B. Fleck again leads with his fine exhibit of jewellery and copperware. Mrs. Stidolph shows some excellent woodwork, while Miss Daisy Morgan has some nicely-designed metal work. Altogether the exhibit of tho Manawatu Society holds its own well in tho competition with the work from the cities. As to-day will be the last opportunity residents of town and country will have of viewing this excellent show, it is hoped many will avail themselves of it and thus show their appreciation of the society’s contribution to the cultural life of tho community. Second Art Union. Drawn. The public art union in connection, with the Manawatu Society of Arts exhibition was drawn last evening by Sergeant Culloty, and resulted as folFirst prize: No. 405, Mr. R. H. Billens, Palmerston North. Second prize: No. 403, Miss Myrtle Port, Roy street, Palmerston North.