472 A SCHOOL OF ART AND THE COMMUNITY. 



the finest possible grasp of the essential facts of life which art 

 translates into abstract expression. Generally our museums remain 

 the same from year to year, and the average citizen, having once 

 visited the building, never darkens its doors again, feeling that 

 he has nothing to lose by staying away. It may be possible for 

 the school to have a small exhibition, or loans from other towns, 

 always available to the public. 



Too much stress should not be laid upon the fineness of old 

 work when endeavouring to gain the interest of employers. It 

 is difficult to interest the average employer in the best work of the 

 past, but the present-day standard against which he is in com- 

 petition will always be of value and interest. The school must 

 prove that better work can be executed under existing conditions. 

 With patience and tact it is possible gradually to gain the 

 students' interest in the finest traditions of the past, but if this 

 is attempted too early it has in many cases the effect of "putting 

 the student off." One cannot expect any sudden rise in artistic 

 appreciation, as with music and literature the appreciation of fine 

 things is of gradual growth. 



It is a comparatively easy matter to build up an institution 

 on paper. Air castles too often fall, but can always be rebuilt 

 if one so wishes, giving one a chance to change the design. In 

 education, business methods are often ignored. On matters of this 

 nature our frame of mind should be similar to that of a business 

 man developing a business, and practical aims should always be 

 kept in mind. 



Three important questions arise in connection with the 

 development of an art school, namely: — (1) How is the student 

 to be brought to the school ? (2) How is he to be kept there 

 during the necessary period 1 (3) What is to become of him in 

 the future? Firstly, a demand must be created. Many may be 

 surprised, perhaps, at this remark, since art and beauty are usually 

 thought of together, but there is little or no genuine desiie for 

 beauty in the world to-day. The cry that has been uttered 

 throughout the ages, "The times are unfavourable to art," is still 

 heard to-day. Existing in an atmosphere which is generallv 

 opposed to art, it is necessary for us to employ every method pos- 

 sible for the advancement of our cause. 



Amongst whom can this demand for art be created 1 I sug- 

 gest (1) Our boys and girls at school. (2) Artizans and employers 

 whose work is connected with the school. (3) The general public. 



With regard to the boys and girls a proper art course, especi- 

 ally in secondary schools, should help to create a demand from a 

 few for a further art school training. Owing to the scant atten- 

 tion paid to art instruction in our secondary schools we miss an 

 impressionable age. This is to be regretted, because from such 

 schools come those who are most likely to be employers, and will 

 direct the markets from within, and as purchasers form its control. 

 A good art teacher will be able to pass on many keen students, 

 while an indifferent one will probably kill all interest for further 

 work. In order to further our aims it is essential to have the 



