| BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTISTS |
|
Not every day do Vancouverites have an opportunity to see a husband and wife
exhibition at the Art Gallery. Alistair Bell and his
wife, Betty Streatfeild Bell, are showing a group
of their drawings of the human form, which will be on view till Feb. 15. Both artists are largely self-taught, and in these carefully executed drawings there is evidence of much inherent taste, with a natural feeling for line and form. The work is done in pencil and charcoal and is mostly lineal. In a note prefacing the exhibition the artists speak as follows: "Our purpose is not to describe the model in every surface detail, but to express the plastic solidity and rhythmic harmony of the human form in terms of line, or hue and shading, leaving out all that is not essential to the desired realization." That they have attained these ambitions to a marked degree will be readily conceded by all who see the drawings. Most of this work has been handled with simplicity and ease and some of it is uncommonly good. NEW PICTURES The Louis Hughes exhibition of watercolors has been such a popular feature that it is being held over for another week to give still others an oportunity to see this fine collection. Several new pictures are being displayed in the reproductions room. These are very good prints from Spanish, French, Dutch, English and American masters which were procured from the Chicago Art Institute by Mr. Grigsby on his way back to Vancouver. It has been apparent for some time that the Art Gallery must have additional space if it is to flourish. Many times during each year the permanent collection has to be taken down and stored to make way for current exhibitions, and visitors, especially from out of town have been disappointed at not being able to see it as well as the later work. In 1934 a lot immediately back of the gallery was purchased to provide for future expansion, and plans for the building were drawn up. While fully aware that the present is not an appropriate time to hasten such a project to completion, but having faith that the vision will surely materialize in the future, directors are giving consideration to the matter. FUND PROPOSED H.A. Stone, who has already done so much for the cause of art in B.C., has come forward with a suggestion that a building extension fund be inaugurated with a view to carrying out the enterprise when conditions allow. The Council of the gallery has given its hearty endorsement to this proposal, and some funds are already in hand as a nucleous (sic). Persons who are interested in the cultural development of this province, and especially those who realize its value as a civic asset, are now given an opportunity to translate their aspirations into terms of practical service. From time to time reports will be published showing the progress made by the fund, and it is hoped that when the world is re-established in peace and harmony that the new addition to the gallery will rapidly come into being as an accomplished fact. |