International studio (60.1916/1917)

Winter Exhibition, New York Academy

. x'

HUCKLEBERRY HILLS BY FRANK T. HUTCHENS


ry would ensue that only first-class work would
be subjected to the scrutiny of the jury, the lesser
lights amongst the artists preferring to shine in
some other sphere where the limelight would be
more sparingly employed. Before very long there
would be a complete elimination of effete and in-
sincere performance, and those artists who are
unable to measure up to the higher requirements
would exhibit elsewhere; or if their motto be aut
Academia aut nihil let them combine and form
an independent academy of their own. The Acad-
emy should not, like some of our great dailies,
“shine for all” but should shine only for the
elect of art, men and women who are progressing
and above all who possess what some critic so
aptly terms the icliosynchratic note without

which there can be no reaction between painter
and public. Art, like milk, should be subjected
to the separators.
All signs point to exhibitions where canvases
will not be rejected for want of space. Great
buildings like the Grand Central Palace and
Madison Square Garden are gaping wide. The
Independents will have an inclusive show in April.
May it be our privilege and long continue so to
see the Academy more and more exclusive so that
it may be impossible to be confronted with the
deadwood in art, with the output of artists
without a vision, and of those who stride back-
wards, relying upon laurels awarded them in a
mouldy past and who refuse to recognize the non
sum qualis eram attitude.

CXVIII