P a m e l a   T h o m p s o n

On the Road to Fame and Fortune

New York City
November 20, 1899

Editor of Echo:

As I promised, I will let you know how I am getting on in the city. I wrote you in my last letter that I was receiving private instruction from the eminent artist, Mr. Walter Satterlie, A.N.A. and have just received the unexpected compliment of being commissioned to make reproductions in color from his original paintings for the holiday trade at a good price, which with my portraits that I have to make will be all I can possibly do this winter outside my studies.
    Mr. Satterlee is one of the recognized leaders in Art in New York City, having studied in Paris and Rome and exhibited his works at the Royal Academy in London.
    He has been a member of the National Academy of Designs and the American Water Color Socity for many years, and among his many patrons are included such prominent men as Cornelious Vanderbilt, John Jacob Astor and others.
    I have also recently had the honor of being admitted to the National Academy of Designs of New York City, being one of a few selected by the committee after one weeks competition with over 300 art students.
    Am in the painting class from 1 to 4 pm, sketch class from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, and the “Antique” from 7 to 10 pm. With the single exception of the “Life” these are the highest classes in the Academy and I hope to be advance to that class in February.
    The standard of excellence is unusually high this season, the officials having patterned after the “Beaux Arts” of Paris, admitting no one but artists of recognizaed merit, and many are placed on probation. I am permanently admitted for the season, and expect to remain to the end which is about May 1st, although I may possibly return to Shelburne Falls somewhat sooner.

Your friend,
E.R. Elmer

Deerfield Valley Echo, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts (29 November 1899)