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IOWA
ARTISTS of the FIRST HUNDRED YEARS
by
Zenobia B. Ness
Ames, Iowa
and
Louise Orwig
Des Moines, Iowa
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| FOREWARD |
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For a
long time, it was generally thought that Iowa's only proper
field was the raising of corn and hogs, and that creative
art, particularly graphic and plastic art, was the last
thing in the world to look for in this midland state. This
conception, we now realize , is false. If Iowa has not
produced its phenomenal number of artists, it has at least
produced its share, and their contribution is well worthy of
general note.
However,
-- possibly because the above misconception was accepted
without question for so long -- there has not been up to
this time, a comprehensive work setting forth the histories
and achievements of Iowa artists. This despite the
fact that there has been a real need for such a work.
The task
of writing a book on Towa artists, past and present was a
difficult one. The threads of the state's art are many, and
in large part, obscure, and the business of drawing them
together demanded authorities of very special
qualifications.
They had
to be Iowans who knew intimately the history and character
of the state and who had been in touch with Iowa art
activities over a long period.
They had
to be individuals who were authoritatively acquainted with
the general field of art so that their account would have
perspective, and would not be merely a catalog of local
color or a series of small eulogies, reflecting merely of
local pride.
They had
to be persons with a genuine and unselfish interest in this
state and its art, for no possible remuneration this book
might bring in could adequately pay for the years of hard
work involved in compiling, organizing and presenting its
material.
Happily,
the need for a book on Iowa artists has at last been met and
met by the two persons most eminently qualified for the job:
Louise Orwig and Zenobia B. Ness.
Miss Orwig,
herself an artist, has long furthered Iowa art not only in
her official capacity as an art librarian of the Des Moines
Public Library, but by her salutary and unselfish
participation in various art movements in the state. I doubt
if there is any Iowa artist or art lover who is not in some
way indebted to her, directly or indirectly.
Mrs. Ness
is best known as the director of the art salon of the annual
Iowa State Fair. Year by year, under her direction,
this fine exhibit has grown to take an important place in
the pageantry of the state exposition. Mrs. Ness, by
her impartial and expert handling of the salon; her wise
selection of out-of-state juries; and her kindly, personal
interest in all of the exhibitors; cannot be too highly
praised for her development of this show which is the most
important single event in Iowa art each year.
Such are
the authors of this book.
"Iowa
Artists of the First Hundred Years" is an authoritative
work, carefully and ably prepared. It is, on the part of the
authors a labor of love and necessity. It fills a
definite and long-felt need. I believe, therefore, I am
speaking for everyone who has real interest in the art of
the state when I express my profound appreciation to Miss
Orwig and Mrs. Ness. |
Signed
Grant Wood |
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