AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10415, 13 April 1897, Page 5

AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS EXHIBITION.

Yesterday further consignments of pictures arrived from the South for the forthcoming art exhibition in the Choral Hall. The Southern artists have never been so strongly represented at any previous exhibition, and their work will be one of the features of the exhibition. Messrs. Hill and Nairn (of the Wellington Technical School), Barraiid, Gibb, llodgkins, Wilson, etc., are represented. The works of Miss Joel, of Dunedin, have unfortunately gone astray, apparently in transit, and the committee of the Auckland Society of Arts have as yet got no trace of them. The local artists are strongly represented by Mr; Fayton (the president of the Society), |Signor Nerli, F. Wright, T. L. Drummond, M. Trenwith, C. Blomfieltl. J. 1). Perrett, and Gregory. Mr. L. J, Steele has nob done himself justice in only being represented by one exhibit (a portrait), as his work has been looked forward to with interest ever since his "Story of a Saddle" and''The Last Stand of Starlight" adorned the walls of the Choral Hall at the Society's Exhibition;. Mr. Bollard, one of our promising young artists, is also only represented by one' exhibit, owing to domestic bereavement. The Exhibition, both in quantity and quality of work, is an advance on last year's 'work. There is about the usual proportion of oils and water colours, the latter being about one-third of the total. The general average of the pictures show larger frames this year. Portraiture and landscapes are strongly represented. Several seascapes are forthcoming. Still life is nob so prominent this year. General regret is felt that Miss Stoddard, of Christchurch, whose magnificent exhibits of flower painting have been so much admired at the various exhibitions, is not in evidence. There are, however, several fine studies of flowers and fruits. The "hanging committee" were busy yesterday getting the pictures into position, and it is doubtful whether they will be able to complete their task to-day. Everything goes to show that the exhibits will not only fill the wall space of the Choral Hall, but that of the southern annexe of the building. THE COMPETITIVE AWARDS In order to satisfy all parties, the committee of the Society of Arts this year sent all the work submitted for competition down South to be judged by a master of drawing and painting who holds a prominent position. The following were his awards :— Cuss I. (Pupils' Studies).—(a) In crayons, charcoal, or monochrome— Shaded study of a head, from the antique: First prize, Miss Louise Laurent; no second award. 2. Shaded study of figure, from the antique: Honourable mention, Miss E. V. Hemus. 3. Shaded study of hands or feet, from the antique: First prize, Miss E. V. Hemus; no other award. 4. Shaded study from the round (ornament): First prize, Miss Ada Roberts; no other award, (b) In colour—s. Study of still life, in oils; First prize, Miss A. L. Rhodes; no second award. Class 11. (Original Studies, Direct from Nature).—lo. _ Sketch from nature (landscape or' marine), in oil or water colours: Honourable mention, Miss R. S Bull. Class 111. (Original Designs in any Medium, 'Indigenous New Zealand Subjects). — 11. Design for decorative panel, natural foliaje: First prize, Miss A. Fallwell. No other award.

Special Prize.-14. A special prize of three guineas, the gift of Mr. H. Brett, for the best work in any medium, illustrating, on canvas or paper, the word "Calm": First prize, Mr. T. Leodham. No other award. Beat work in the whole of the competitions: Only monochrome was dealt with, Miss Ada Roberts getting the bronze medal. No awards were made in the remaining sections, and the silver medal of the Society was not given this year.