, THE ART EXHIBITION CLOSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 42, 20 February 1943, Page 4

, THE ART EXHIBITION CLOSES

JT is appropriate that Mr. Linley Richardson should be invited to address the members and friends of the AVanganui Arts and Crafts Society to-morrow on the conclusion of the society’s exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery. The society has done its best to popularise pictorial art in Wanganui, but it is clear that more than has yet been accomplished in this direction must be achieved in this city before the position can be regarded as satisfactory. AVanganui has some good artists resident within its boundaries; it has some others who eould be better and who need further encouragement. A higher degree of skill is being called for to-day than rules among a considerable number of the contributors to the exhibition, and to get that they need more encouragement than has as yet been forthcoming. The sales of pictures cannot be regarded as equal to the merit of the exhibition as a whole, and while the public and public, bodies neglect local talent there is no likely prospect of the standard advancing. All art needs an audience, an audience that is appreciative and that shows its appreciation by providing support. There is room here for public men to consider how they can aid the cause of art in AVanganui and the surrounding district. Man shall not live by bread alone, nor shall his soul survive by simply selling fat lambs. The visit of Mr. Linley Richardson to AVanganui to-morrow will provide an opportunity for the members to meet one of New Zealand’s leading artists, and his observations on the subject in which he is a successful exponent should provide illumination. It is to be hoped that when the society provides the public with its next exhibition there will be more encouragement to artists, more public support, and that the movement which promises much in AVanganui art at the present time will have provided the promised burgeoning.