Report of the Art Museum 



When the annual meeting was held here a year ago, we fully expected 

 that this room would be filled with exhibits before this time; but numer- 

 ous delays in connection with the building have occurred, consequently 

 we have just commenced the installation of the new possessions. Six 

 new mahogany cases have been furnished by the Association, also the 

 new oak bookcases for the library, and now when the floor is finished 

 the arrangement of the cases can be completed. 



The fact that the extension was delayed does not mean that nothing 

 has been accomplished this year. One of the interesting features is the 

 healthy growth in the educational work, and the increasing appreciation 

 of the opportunity offered by the museum. The antiquated idea of a 

 museum as just a resting place for art objects has passed away, and to- 

 day the art museum is an integral part in the educational system of the 

 city; and when as fortunately placed as ours, in connection with schools. 

 Library, and Museum of Natural History, correlating as we do with 

 them, its value is inestimable. The Art Museum teaches through seeing, 

 and aids in the cultivation of good taste. Good taste is now recognized 

 as a distinct asset in the home, in business, and to the entire community. 

 The beautiful examples of human handicraft in which the Museum 

 abounds, together with the fine books on design which have now been 

 made accessible in our new rooms, place us in a position to be of great 

 service to the citizens. 



The public and private schools of the city, also those of surrounding 

 towns, have come to value the opportunities offered by the museum and 

 have made constant use of it. More students of design than ever before 

 have availed themselves of the privileges offered. One day we received 

 twelve classes in design numbering more than two hundred pupils. 

 Many of the most interesting designs in the annual exhibition of the 

 work of the high schools held in Central High School received their inspi- 

 ration from objects in the Art Museum. Many industries are dependent 

 upon art training if their products are to equal or excel those designed 

 by foreigners, and it is in this field that we can be of inestimable value. 



The different educational and social clubs of the city have been re- 

 ceived and talks explaining the collection given. The Saturday after- 

 noon drawing class has been continued, giving to pupils an opportunity 

 which they could not otherwise have had to draw from objects in the 

 Museum under the direction of a teacher. Examples of their work can 

 be seen on the screens in the Hall of Sculpture. The issuing of passes 

 to children, to allow them to visit us without being accompanied by an 

 adult, has been continued with gratifying results. Many of the children 

 come again and again, often bringing their comrades or parents and 

 eagerly repeating the information which they have received. This year 

 we have given very material aid to the Springfield Art League and also 

 furnished meeting rooms for the council of the League. 



