Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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14 The Branksome Slogan ORTUNATELY it was not given to me to meditate on art in general, but to disicusis instead our art education in the school. In studying the history of art we obtain a clear idea of its gradual development, of the various exist- ing elements affecting its subject style and form, and of the condi- tions under which it has thriven or been hindered. We learn that art has long been a recognized factor in the process of education. The ancient Greeks who were noted for their well- rounded development, h ' eld that the actual lessons were hut a small part of their training. They were rather wont to favor aesthetics. All stu- dents were required to attain a thorough understanding of the arts in general They were most sensi- tive to the influence of music, and believed that it exercised a benefi- cial effect over the noible feelings ; but it is now realized that with some thes ' e higher emotions may be stirred more easily throug h the optical sense rather than the acous- tic sense. Paintin ' g is to the eye what music or po ' etry is to the ear; and what dancing is to the limbs. All are necessary for the develop- ment and manifestation of the hu- man being. The Greek percqptions and ideas of beauty wiere trained through life in the open — in close association with nature. They gave their time to acquiring ability to ex- press their perceptions. But al as! It is not in everyone to give voice or form to their con- ceptions. It is only the highly en- dowed and trained individual who can express beauty through the me- dium of a brush. It is our part to study the work of these gifted ones and thus encourage our ' sense of appreciation. We find that the artist possesses numerous and varied means through which he may give expression to a single thought. We discover also that paintings are not just colour and outline, but that each in its own way gives a suggestion of some- thing a little deeper. A portrait is not a portrayal of features, but an exemplification of a character. With the lives of the artists we have a close insight into the social condi- tions of the time. Thus one should be a ' ble, at least, to recognize the great masterpieces. It is impossi- bl ' e to estimate the value of these paintings from our black and white prints, but we can become suffi- ciently familiar with them that we will know the originals when an opportunity for seeing them affords itself. Since the History of Art wias first taught at Branksome, Miss Robin- son has cardfully conducted all classes. Her knowledge of the world of art and artists and her sin- cere regard for all their work ex- cites the deepest admiration in her pupils. We also enjoy the precious titnbits of contemporary gossip of the artists ' circle, with which we are frequently honored. These en- joyabl ' e half-hours with the chosen few will be rememtbered, I feel sure, long after we leave Branksome. We hope our ' esteemied benelfactor and instructor will realize our apprecia- tion of her efforts. HELEN HOME, Form V.

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jN Januiary 29th of this year ia l a new era began for stu- m Jm lovers of art in Toronto. Before this time, people who did not travel ' 8 or who did not study art particularly had very little oppor- tunity to see land appreciate good paintings. There was no suitable gallery, and therefore no large col- kctions were brought to the city. But the event which has made pos- sible so much and whidh has al- ready afforded an opportunity to so many people was the opening of the new Art Gallery at the Grange. For many years it has: been felt that Toronto should have a permanent and well appointed home for pic- tures, but not until this year have the many obstacles been overcome and the building completed. I wonder if we realize how im- portant ian art gallery and the con- tinual exhibition of fine pictures is to a young country like Canada? Everyw ' here there is a spirit of ma- terialtism which needs much to off- set it. What could be better than the influence of good art to coun- terbalance this effect? One of the most wonderful points about the gal ' lery is that the people of the under-privileged clas ' ses as well as the wealthy may enjoy the same pictures. Is it not worth while if there can be inspired in the poorer people as well as those who are wealthier a greater love and appre- ciation of beauty? The opening exhibition at the Art Galkry was a particularly attrac- tive one. In it were pictures repre- senting painters from many coun- tries and of almost every age. In one room could be seen the rich coloring of Tintoretto, and the land- sdapes of Gorot and Rousseau with many other old Masters, while in another room the Northern Ontario landlS ' capes and the famous pine trees of Tom Thomson were exam- ples of later art of the Ontario So- ciety of Artists. There was medi- aeval and modern lart in the same collection, each different, but each very ' beautiful. Never before has such a varied and colorful exhibi- tion of paintings been shown in this city. When the foundation of a thing is laid it must be particularly well done if it is to be la success in the future. The crowds that have poured from room to room in the splendid new GaMery ever since that inaugural ex hibition, are a real proof that the commencement of art display in Toronto has been, and is continuing to be a success. Later, when one sees in the greater galler- ies siuch as the National Gallery, London, The Tower, and the many splendid galleries of Italy, the greatest conceptions which the Old Masters have expressed in the form, of painting, we will be able to appreciate them so mudh better when we have had experience in judging the art which is Man ' s highest expression of his reverence for and joy in beauty. MARGERY WATSON, Form V. 13

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The Branksome Slogan 15 Prefects Fond of beauty, sports and laug hter, Business firsit and pleasure after. Margery Watson — House girl — fifth- former — born in Toronto — Head Prefect — President of Beta Kappa — Girl Guide — on first Basket- ball team — and on Slogan staff. One of our best sports, who specializes in diving and horse ' back riding. Mar- gery ' s sense of huimor does much to brighten dreary hours. She leaves us this year to conquer new fields, and our aflfectionate wishes go with her. Merry to talk with. Merry to walk with, And a jolly good friend with all. Margaret Aitken — Day girl and a fifth-former— born in New Bruns- wick — a prefect and for two years President of the Y. W. C. A. Marg miade her B. H. S. on basketball, hockey and tennis teams and has won the siportsmanship prize for two years. Between times she shows marked ability in masculine roles in various plays. Our ' best wishes go with her to Varsity. The foundation of true joy is in conscience. Norah Deaqon — Birthnplace, To- ronto — another former day girl ; but for the past year has been a boarder. Vice-president of the Y. W. C. A., and won the prize for modern lan- guages last year. Norah ' s favorite pastime is skating, which she does with exiceeding grace. Best wishes, Norah, for a successful course at Macdonald College.