Vol. IV, No. 3 
NEW YORK AND SYRACUSE 
July 1902 
HE studios are closing for the summer, and 
many are the ambitious aspirations of 
those who are fortunate enough to be able 
to procure not only change of air and 
scene, but opportunity for study as well. 
"Rest is but a change of occupation." 
It is folly for decorators and teachers to 
remain in their studios year in and year 
out; they, above all others, need inspiration from new environ- 
ment and new people, that their artistic sense may be 
stimulated. 
Hard work never kills, it is only worry and dull routine 
that saps our energy ; one need not stop working, but should 
graze in pastures new. One should endeavor to come into 
contact with those who are studying, and who have definite 
aims in directions other than one's own. This should be stim- 
ulating and an incentive to more earnest work in one's own 
line. 
There is no denying the fact that porcelain decorators 
must study. Those who are doing so are rapidly outdistanc- 
ing the average decorators, who have not even an apprecia- 
tion of their shortcomings, but plod along in the same old 
blind way. Our exhibitions unfortunately prove this fact. 
Why are not all clubs studying seriously? Why are in- 
dividuals wasting time on work without the faintest trace of 
a decorative principle? Work that would be thrown out by 
any properly selected jury. 
There is much room for missionary work among those 
who have eyes to see and see not, as well as among those who 
are willing to see, but cannot, without some one to open their 
eyes for them. Those are to be congratulated who are able 
to take their vacation in attending the technical summer 
schools, where the fundamental principles of decoration are 
taught. 
4> 
"COMPARATIVE EXHIBITION" OF THE NATIONAL 
LEAGUE OF MINERAL PAINTERS 
THAT the exhibition held at Wynne's was small seemed a 
disappointment to the many visitors who came to enjoy 
it, yet in a way it was interesting to see what had, as well as 
what had not been done. 
As it was a "Comparative" Exhibition, the restrictions limi- 
ted the exhibitors to a single shape of either a vase or a straight 
rim plate. Instead of having the exhibition in one city, the 
Educational Committee decided to send the whole to different 
cities, having judgment passed upon it in each place, an 
excellent plan, giving each club an opportunity to see the 
work. We hope next year to see a more representative ex- 
hibit. The exhibition opened at Wynne's in New York; here 
was a great chance for a display of good work ; here the op- 
portunity for students of advanced ideas, to show to their 
sister clubs work that would stand the severe test of a con- 
scientious jury, but only a handful responded. There seems 
no lack of interest on the part of those from whom we expected 
so much ; that they are not fully represented is owing to the 
fact that bread-winners cannot always be ready for exhibi- 
tions. Some pieces sent were rejected, not on account of 
poor work but owing to lack of requirements for this special 
exhibition, which called for three classes of work; a proper 
decoration for a vase (certain form and size), a straight edge 
plate and a portrait head. 
The vases and plates being of one size and kind, gave an 
air of distinction to the exhibition, showing a definite purpose. 
Mr. Fry exhibited two vases (not in competition), one a floral 
design of chrysanthemums repeated three times around the 
vase, melting into a background of soft blues and greens, yet 
the outlines keeping the character and fine drawing of the 
flowers, leaves and stems. They were well arranged and 
should be studied in reference to their spacing and the dark 
and light effects. Those who delight in naturalistic decora- 
tions should carefully note how correctly Mr. Fry uses them, 
conforming to rules of decoration. His other vase was deco- 
rated with wild carrot blossoms, beautiful in tones of grey. 
Miss Overly's vase with fleur-de-lis was nice in color, the pur- 
ples and greens being soft, and on the grey tones. Mrs. Pratt 
of Jersey City decorated her vase in conventional dull red 
leaves, with ivory background, showing a grey blue in spaces; 
there were wavy lines of gold which covered some of the back- 
ground and softened the design. Miss Elsie Browning of 
Pittsburg (Duquesne Club) sent a vase with red trumpet-like 
flowers, pale green leaves, gold background at the top. This 
was a good design but poor in color treatment. Miss M. E. 
Griffin, California Club, decorated a vase with ruby colored 
flowers melting into a brown ruby background, lacking char- 
acter in design, but fine in color and very well fired. Miss 
Harriet B. Hurd of the Bridgeport Club had a striking vase 
very good in color and design; peacock feather forms with 
blue green lustre background, a little gold let in to form 
panels, and the whole outlined in black. This should be ex- 
amined carefully as the exhibition goes from place to place. 
Miss C. L. Joy of Boston sent a vase with dragon decoration 
drawn in black, tones of grey in background. Mrs. Culp of 
San Francisco decorated her vase in nasturtiums, fading into 
yellow reds; very fine color but poorly fired. One of Miss 
M. M. Mason's vases (not in competition) was in panel effect, 
with pale pink geraniums • and dull grey green leaves well 
drawn with a black outline against a grey background; a 
rich dark blue made a background on the upper part of the 
vase. Another vase by the same artist had a dark blue back- 
ground with a repeating design of red tulips and bluish green 
leaves. These should be studied as well as her plates. Miss 
E. Mason of New York, sent a panel vase (not in competition) 
decorated in repeating design of pink carnations outlined with 
black against a gold background, with rich dark blue in panels 
between the gold panels. Miss Fairbanks of Boston con- 
tributed a vase decorated in conventional design of azalias, 
which were in dull pinks, very good in design and color. 
Mrs. Mary Alley Neal of New York decorated a vase in pop- 
