The Butler Institute of American Art is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019! There are plans for special exhibits and events throughout the year. Founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr., The Butler Institute of American Art is the first museum of American art. The original structure is a McKim, Mead and White architectural masterpiece listed on the National Register of Historic places. Known worldwide as “America’s Museum”, the museum’s collection totals over 20,000 pieces in all media, and spans four centuries of work. Plan a visit!
EXHIBITIONS
Kevin Llewellyn: The Devil’s Valentine
March 10 – May 5, 2019
Talent is assuredly inborn. While study will always be valued, what nature has given in the way of gifts, is a primary force. Ohio born, California artist, Kevin Llewellyn is proof positive that talent will always shine forth. A contemporary master, Llewelyn is one of those very rare talents who has created his own universe and is able to share that world with us in works of art which inspire, amuse, haunt, and marvel. Not since a young Dali appeared on the scene have we seen such invention with the pen and brush. This breathtaking exhibition of drawings and paintings will assuredly stay with you for the long haul. Learn more
His Way: The Paintings of Chen Chi
March 10 – May 5, 2019
The late Chen Chi moved to the United States in 1947 from his home country of China. As a painter, his works showcase the traditional Chinese techniques of watercolor. The delicacy of his medium allowed him to ever so gracefully capture the amazing power of nature and the elemental forces. Themes of the artwork came from the environment at the time of each pieces creation. Never did he look back, but only in the present did he gain his inspiration. This, in addition to Chi’s extraordinary mastery of brush and color, made his work individually and indisputably his own. “Like Frank Sinatra, I do it my way.” – Chen Chi. Learn more
Holger Keifel: Only in America
March 24 – May 5, 2019
PUBLIC MEET-THE-ARTIST RECEPTION: April 7, 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Holger Keifel, who was born in Germany and now lives in New York City, has become one of America’s finest fine arts photographers. Best known for his powerful and stirring images of the First Responders on 9-11, his subjects now include broad and fascinating aspects of life in America. The Butler exhibition draws from varied themes that have interested Keifel in recent years. The exhibit is a part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Butler, and is Holger Keifel’s third Butler exhibit. Learn more
Mark Perrott: Ancient Ink
May 5 – September 1, 2019
PUBLIC MEET-THE-ARTIST RECEPTION: May 5, 2019, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Mark Perrott has spent decades documenting the ever-expanding tribe of tattooed Americans. He made his first portraits at Island Avenue Tattoo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1979, and since then has explored tattoo parlors all across America. In his current series, ANCIENT INK, Perrott turns his camera to the now increasing tribe of highly decorated, aging, and graying baby boomers. Through large scale (50”x50”) photographs and accompanying interviews, Perrott introduces the viewer to dozens of individuals, including Jim, a retired city planner and “ink addict” from the 1970s; Marge, a 74 year-old former Cleveland police officer; and Henry, an 87 year-old WWII era Navy veteran. “These subjects,” Perrott says, “speak of resilience, loss, transformation, mystery, and the emancipation that sometimes comes with growing old.” Learn more
The Butler Institute of American Art 83rd National Midyear Show
May 26 – July 28, 2019
ARTIST RECEPTION & AWARD PRESENTATION: June 2, 2019, 1:00pm–3:00pm
This annual juried show exhibits the artworks of adult artists from throughout the fifty United States and its territories. The exhibition includes accepted works in all two dimensional media, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, drawings, prints, photographs and digital. This year’s exhibition will be judged by Dallas based couple Sherry Giryotas (painter) and Phillip Shore (sculptor). Learn more