Disclaimer: The following was transcribed from the Capper Foundation Archives. The choice of words used at the time this was written may not reflect current Capper Foundation inclusive language and views.

Public Views Art Today (1949)

One of the greatest Midwest art shows in history will open today at 2 p.m. in the Municipal Auditorium Arena as a prelude to an auction of fine paintings and drawings to be held Monday.

More than 235 art works are displayed in the collection which has been assembled by the Woman’s Club of Topeka to be sold to raise funds for the Capper Foundation for Crippled Children.

J.M. Parks, secretary of the foundation, supervised the final hanging of the oils, water colors, charcoal drawings and prints.

For the occasion, special monk’s cloth walls have been constructed between the balcony and the main floor of the arena for display of the pieces. They line all three walls solidly and are hung along the front edge of the balcony.

As visitors pass into the exhibit this afternoon to view the pictures, they will be handed catalogs listing the name of the picture, the artist, and the brief biography of the artist.

Each of the pictures is numbered to correspond with the catalog and provide for ready reference and identification.

All types of scenes are portrayed in the paintings and drawings. There are prize-fights scenes, outdoor views, floral portraits, portraits of people, still life scenes and pictures of animals.

Some are done in conventional style while others are unconventional – such as cubism and symbolism.

“We think we have pictures here that will meet the tastes of all types of people,” Parks said. “Not only will they enjoy looking at them on Sunday, but they should be able to find some that they would enjoy buying and owning.”

Weeks have been spent in assembling the collection of paintings from many parts of the United States in preparation for today’s show and Monday’s sale. Many leading artists have contributed several paintings to the show. Parks gives much credit for the success of the idea to Albert T. Reid, a former Kansan and nationally-known artist who now lives in New York. Reid became enthusiastic about the idea when he paid a recent visit here to former Senator Arthur Capper.

In addition to Reid, such artists as Kady B. Faulkner, Peter Hurd, Helen Hodge, Mrs. Grace Churchill Sargent, John Bashor, Robert O. Hodgil, Clayton Henri Coolidge, Norman Eppink, Hellen Coolidge Woodring, and others have contributed works.

In addition to today’s show, the paintings will also be shown from 3 p.m. on Monday until the sale starts at 7 p.m.

Seven of the Midwest’s leading auctioneers will cry the sale and every possible step has been taken to make the paintings move rapidly during the auction.