DOI Heft:
Nr. 169 (March, 1911)
DOI Artikel:Oliver, Maude I. G.: The Chicago Society of etchers: it's first exhibition
DOI Seite / Zitierlink:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43446#0026
Chicago Society of Etchers
trating what may be accomplished through mutual
interest and assistance. Chartered under the laws
of the State of Illinois on March 28, 1910, the soci-
ety is still less than a year old. Therefore, that it
has proved only its raison d’etre is no evidence that
it is not capable of very definite influence as time
goes on.
In the first place, as a foundation of its creed, it
has striven to secure for etching the same exhibition
privileges that are enjoyed by the sister arts of paint-
ing and sculpture. Hence, with this arrangement,
the injustice of passing upon etchings by a painter-
jury is avoided. Thus, to prominent workers, the
advantage of exhibiting becomes apparent. In the
January display were seen plates by such men as
Messrs. Pennell, Webster, Washburn, Ertz, Sen-
seney, Roth, MacLaughlan, Nordfeldt, Hornby,
Aid and Church. Next year, after the aims and
methods of the society have become better under-
stood by the established etchers and talented young-
er men have become known to the officials, there
will unquestionably be a much larger exhibiting
corps.
Emphatically, there is no idea of local monopoly
in the institution. Convenience suggested to the
Chicago etchers the forming of a society in that city.
Now that the success of the body is realized, how-
ever, there is no thought of limiting the privileges to
the originators. On the contrary, the desire is to be
as broad in ideals as possible and to be national in
scope.
While in many respects an association for the
mutual benefit of its members, it is largely altruistic
in its object. To awaken interest in the subject of
etching, to guide young etchers and to instruct aspir-
ing ones in the process are some of the purposes of
the organization. In order
to make possible this feature
of practical instruction, the
members hope within the
near future to possess a club
room. Here it is their am-
bition to install a press and
employ a competent attend-
ant, who may assist in the
profession the rising genera-
tion of etchers.
These new recruits in the
art of the needle, it is ex-
pected, will be drawn from
the ranks of the associate
and the local membership.
For members who are non-
professional, but who take an
appreciative interest in etch-
ing, an annual rate of five
dollars each is charged. In
addition to the privileges of
membership there will be se-
cured to every associate by
the fee at least three etch-
ings during the year.
The first annual exhibition
of this infant society was
notable. Besides securing
dignified recognition from
official art circles, it excited
much favorable comment
from gallery frequenters. It
received substantial returns
financially. During the nine-
teen days of the display a
IN THE STUDIO
BY WALTER DEAN GOLDBECK
IV
trating what may be accomplished through mutual
interest and assistance. Chartered under the laws
of the State of Illinois on March 28, 1910, the soci-
ety is still less than a year old. Therefore, that it
has proved only its raison d’etre is no evidence that
it is not capable of very definite influence as time
goes on.
In the first place, as a foundation of its creed, it
has striven to secure for etching the same exhibition
privileges that are enjoyed by the sister arts of paint-
ing and sculpture. Hence, with this arrangement,
the injustice of passing upon etchings by a painter-
jury is avoided. Thus, to prominent workers, the
advantage of exhibiting becomes apparent. In the
January display were seen plates by such men as
Messrs. Pennell, Webster, Washburn, Ertz, Sen-
seney, Roth, MacLaughlan, Nordfeldt, Hornby,
Aid and Church. Next year, after the aims and
methods of the society have become better under-
stood by the established etchers and talented young-
er men have become known to the officials, there
will unquestionably be a much larger exhibiting
corps.
Emphatically, there is no idea of local monopoly
in the institution. Convenience suggested to the
Chicago etchers the forming of a society in that city.
Now that the success of the body is realized, how-
ever, there is no thought of limiting the privileges to
the originators. On the contrary, the desire is to be
as broad in ideals as possible and to be national in
scope.
While in many respects an association for the
mutual benefit of its members, it is largely altruistic
in its object. To awaken interest in the subject of
etching, to guide young etchers and to instruct aspir-
ing ones in the process are some of the purposes of
the organization. In order
to make possible this feature
of practical instruction, the
members hope within the
near future to possess a club
room. Here it is their am-
bition to install a press and
employ a competent attend-
ant, who may assist in the
profession the rising genera-
tion of etchers.
These new recruits in the
art of the needle, it is ex-
pected, will be drawn from
the ranks of the associate
and the local membership.
For members who are non-
professional, but who take an
appreciative interest in etch-
ing, an annual rate of five
dollars each is charged. In
addition to the privileges of
membership there will be se-
cured to every associate by
the fee at least three etch-
ings during the year.
The first annual exhibition
of this infant society was
notable. Besides securing
dignified recognition from
official art circles, it excited
much favorable comment
from gallery frequenters. It
received substantial returns
financially. During the nine-
teen days of the display a
IN THE STUDIO
BY WALTER DEAN GOLDBECK
IV