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Show II k ' "Mooted Them A novel exhibit in Springfield, I. .. . - In III., proved emphatically that good paintings are not beyond the reach of the average American. by James E. Armstrong B ecause art exhibits gen erally have a limited appeal, members of the Springfield (111.) Art Association weren't quite prepared for what happened at their recent show. They expected about 150 persons to attend the opening of the exhibit But more than 400 came, and many stayed beyond the intended closing hour. The title of the exhibit gives a clue to what caused the overflow crowd. The show was called "Art in Springfield Homes" and featured original paintings and water colors from collections owned by Springfield residents. The idea, said Mrs. John Holman, who was in charge of the event, was to stimulate other residents of the community to buy original art for their homes. The paintings, ranging from realistic to abstract, represented a cross section of Springfield's taste in art. Works of 56 different artists were shown. Gov. and Mrs. William G. Stratton contributed two paintings: "The Robe" by C. R. Piatt, young American artist, and Hurlstone Fairchild's colorful Ari- 18-d- ay zona landscape, "God's Country." Many of those who attended the show merely out of curiosity came away with some new ideas: that American art is worth supporting; that it is not beyond the means of the average person; and that it makes a valuable addition to the home. As William Bealmer, Illinois director of art education, explained, "A good painting seems to make a home warmer and more livable and The Springfield (III.) Art Association wasn't quite prepared for the overflow crowd of more than 400 people who came to the opening of the exhibit to view the original paintings and water colors of 56 artists. i in ill Ul' i1 w provides constant hours of pleasant association. Generally, people have the unsound notion that it is to own an original painting, but as illustrated in the Springfield exhibit, good paintings may be secured for as little as $25 and in many places the prices asked by local artists may be even ive ex-pens- less." By moving their paintings into the open, Springfield residents have discovered that their next-door neighbors are interested in art and, with a little encouragement, probably would shop around for a handsome painting to hang over their fireplace. easel from the estate of Mrs. Alice Bonn, is examined by a group of Springfield residents in the front parlor of the Edwards Place, an historic house of the Lincoln era. One of the paintings, exhibited wakm if' ira Mh ii 1 'iLi a on an old-tim- e a 1 5 S t C R. "The Robe, an original painting by the young American arKst, Piatt, was one of the two paintings loaned to the "Art in Springfield Homes' exhibit by Governor and Mrs. W3Bam G. Stratton of ISinois. Art enthusiasts (left to right) are: Mrs. Henry G. Bengel; Mrs. John Holman, chairman in charge of the exhibit; Mrs. Fred P. Cowdin. president of the board; Mrs. J. K. Gtngold; and Ted Kurahara, art director. JUNf 2, 1955 fAMIlt WIEKIT MAOAIINI |