An Illustrated Annual of Works ly American Artists Craft Workers EDWARD M. ERICSON MANAGING DIRECTOR 1915-1916 Price, Fifty Cents The Artists Guild Galleries 412 Soutk Michigan Boulevard Fine Arts Building Chicago THE ARTISTS GUILD The ArtistS Guild, Fine Arts Building 412 South Michigan Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois FINE ARTS BUILDING THE ARTISTS GUILD Its Unusual Position and Policies ART PATRONS and Art lovers of Chicago long JL have recognized the need of a permanent gallery where they might purchase paintings and art objects of approved merit. In the same degree artists have known the necessity of some direct and established method of presenting their works to the public. A gap existed between the artist and the Art buyer until in 1911, when The Artists Guild was organized to bridge it. Briefly stated, the artists idea was to league together in a co-operative body, secure display and sales galleries and offer the best Art works at the same price as the work would command if bought direct from the artist. From the start the plan has been a success. Security for the purchaser, unquestionable high standard of Art works and elimination of all unneces sary expenses and profits, so that the buyer may feel sure of the highest intrinsic values, are the principles on which the artists built this institution. Recogniz ing that assured permanence is a strong feature in establishing confidence, their first step was to secure Guarantors and Life and Associate Members, so that during the period of making the publics acquaintance there might be no doubts about existence. To insure the merit of all works to be sold a jury of selection was formed, capable of deciding on the quality of paintings, jewelry and all Art and Craft productions. The question of price has no bearing on the work of the jury and our patrons often have expressed delight at finding how many truly beautiful and artistic works can be found here at reasonable prices. Artists joining the Guild must have estab-Page Five THE ARTISTS GUILD lished a reputation either here or abroad. Acceptance of an artists work by the Art Institute of Chicago often is used as a criterion, but any artist whose exam ples are approved by the jury is eligible. Neither is the membership strictly localized. Giving the patron complete Art value has been accomplished by a simple and efficient method of administration. The corporation pays neither profit nor dividend to anyone. The Art works are handled with a minimum of expense, so that the purchaser receives a fullness of value not obtainable from the ordinary business organization. All affairs are admin istered without financial remuneration by a Board of Directors and Officers who are ex-officio members of the Board. An Executive Committee conducts all business affairs, subject to the control of the Board of Directors. The Secretary alone receives a salary. Actual sales and direction of the galleries rests with the Secretary, who is retained as Managing Director. Increased sales since the beginning, and especially during the past two years, show how genuinely the public appreciates good paintings and hand-wrought objects. Givers who love to offer what is exquisite and rare rather than what is merely precious seem to be our especial friends, and for those who prefer having their selections seconded by the most expert opinion The Artists Guild offers straight judgment unbiased byconsideration of profit. This spirit pervading the entire plan has impressed our visitors almost as forcibly as the great beauty of the Art works themselves until patrons have come to feel a deep personal interest in The Artists Guild. That is the best fulfillment of the artists idea. He has brought his choicest creations here and given them a home where you may come and take delight in them. Page Six FINE ARTS BUILDING He feels that the galleries are more for you than for him and he welcomes you accordingly...