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
Selections from the Private Collection of David M. and Cecile Draime
April 3-November 20, 2022
Opening Reception: April 3, 1-3pm
The Butler is excited and proud to present an exhibition of the celebrated private collection of David M. and Cecil Draime. So many of the most important names in the history of modern art are included. Picasso, Matisse, Soulages, Baziotes, Munch, Moore, Chagall, Modiglini, Peto, Rivers, and Botero are a segment of this impressive collection. Mr. Draime was a long-time trustee of the Butler Institute and was instrumental in the acquisition of such Butler works for the permanent collection as Louise Nevelson’s Night Garden Wall, Lyonel Feininger’s Powdertower, Clement Meadmore’s Upbeat, Audrey Flack’s Davey Moore and Don Gummer’s monumental sculpture Primary Compass. Learn more
Reynier Llanes: What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye
September 4 – October 9, 2022
Public Artist Reception: September 18, 1-3pm
Artist Talk: September 20, 2pm
What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye is a new exhibition of paintings by Reynier Llanes, one of the most complex and lucid artists of his generation. Painted in the Cuban tradition of narrative symbolism, this collection of recent artworks transmutes the raw emotion of life experience into visual imagery that beckons the viewer to look deeper into the impact of relationships with vulnerability. Inspired by the children’s book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the exhibition embodies the idea of childlike adventures while it also touches on serious social issues. Learn more
83rd Area Artist Annual Exhibition
October 23 – November 13, 2022
Reception & Awards Presentation: October 23, 1-3pm
The Butler’s Area Artists Annual is a juried exhibition that includes selected original artworks in all media created and submitted by artists residing in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties in Ohio; and Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania. Works include paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, sculpture, and crafts. This year’s exhibition was judged by Diane Schaffstein from the Bonfoey Gallery in Cleveland. Diane has worked there for 35 years and as the co-gallery director and head appraiser for the past 20 years.
VIRTUAL EXHIBITIONS
Pastel Society of America 2020: Enduring Brilliance
This exhibition, drawn from The Pastel Society of America’s annual fall exhibition, features works by some of the nation’s premier pastel painters. The Pastel Society of America (PSA) is the oldest organization of its kind in the nation. A primary mandate of the PSA is to provide a forum for the exhibition of works by the most accomplished pastel artists in the United States and abroad. Since 1972, the PSA Annual Exhibition: Enduring Brilliance!, held at the National Arts club in New York City, has been the premier event for pastel artists worldwide. Learn more
Stay tuned for new and exciting exhibitions and events!
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