American artists at the turn of the 20th century were still expected to train in Europe at one of the famous schools such the Academy Julien or Ecole des Beaux Arts. At the same time, a lively cultural exceptionalism and synergy back home produced an era of self-identified “schools” of art and the foundation of artist communities of all kinds. Many were topical and of a limited duration while others have lasted to this day. In 1908, Solon Borglum established Silvermine in the eponymous area of Darien, CT as a gathering place where new and established artists might exchange ideas. Many notables such as Milton Avery, Helen Frankenthaler, and Jacques Lipchitz have studied there over the intervening years. One of their early number, Addison Thomas Millar (1860-1913) produced our 1913 etching. It is an announcement and invitation to attend the exhibition of Silvermine artists; an annual event established early in the life of the arts colony. Millar breaths the spirits of the French salon and American regionalism into this small work with great finesse. It is like an invitation to a picnic, but with serious intent. Millar’s highly successful career as a genre painter and fixture of New York society was tragically cut short less than a month after completing this etching when an express train ran into his car, killing him and his wife. Our picture is in a beautifully carved, period Arts & Crafts frame. Condition: Excellent with minor losses to the frame. Dimensions: Image 4.25" x 6.25", frame 10.25" x 12.25".