Sunday, March 11, 2001
As winter gives way to spring, exhibition and events begin to bloom at The Butler Institute of American Art and its branches. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions are noted here -- additional information can be obtained by calling the Butler Institute in Youngstown at (330) 743-1711, extension 123.
On view through 2001 in Youngstown Beecher Center is "Carol Adams: Stimulated Emission." The exhibition features a site specific installation that utilizes laser technology in combination with neon, glowing wire, and other new light technologies synthesized with traditional artists' mediums including enamel, fiber, fabric, metals, and wood. This work also includes two musical pieces titled "Thermo Synthesis" and "Pyrolangia Excerpt," both composed and produced by Ron Slabe of Pyrosonic Company of Kent.
Also on view in the Beecher Center are digital photographs of the 20 towns in the United States named "Paradise" by Pittsburgh photographer Dennis Marsico. (Look for new Marsico works at the Butler in upcoming months, including a large panoramic mural documenting the artist's trip to Italy.)
"Patrick Boyd: Holograms" also remains on view through 2001 in the second level Beecher Center walkway galleries. Born in London in 1960, Boyd was a Fulbright scholar and artist-in-residence at New York City's Museum of Holography. Boyd's work focuses upon holograms as a documentary medium, a record of events and scenes of everyday life and are considered the most accomplished works of holography in the world.
Last day: March 25 is the last day to view "Lightworks" by Alejandro and Moira Sina in the Beecher Center main gallery. These beautiful works by the well-known Boston artists have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the world. Featured in the show are classic Sina pieces such as the "Spinning Shaft" and "Corona Discharge" as well as new works that utilize digital technologies including "Lasso" and "Helix," and newly acquired Butler collection works "Veil" and "Touchplane."
Next Sunday is the last opportunity to view the outstanding exhibition of realist works from members of the Allied Artists of America Inc. at the Butler in Youngstown. This exhibition of 122 works was curated by Allied Artist's President, Gary T. Erbe. Youngstown is also the site for an exceptional show "Berlin Autumn" by Chicago-born black artist Joseph Norman. The exhibition reflects the inspiration of German Expressionism derived from recent experiences in that country, along with other travels including Costa Rica and Spain. The exhibition is funded in part by Butler Wick and Company.
Also on view through April 7 at the Salem branch museum are works by the Pittsburgh Society of Artists. This juried exhibition features works by the members of PSA, and includes works in all media. Featured in the show are Carol Donnely, Aileen Zollweg, Jim Marino, Lisa Rasmussen, and Paul Dadowski. An artists reception is planned for Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. For information or an invitation call Rob Kurtz at (330) 332-8213.
Opening at the Trumbull branch March 18 and running through May 6 is a 10-year survey of paintings by artist Brian Rutenberg. The New York artist has distinguished himself as a painter in the tradition of the Abstract Expressionists. The artist's work has been shown throughout the country, and is included in numerous public and private collections. A reception to honor the artist is planned for Saturday, April 2, from 1-3 p.m. at the Trumbull branch.
Italian landscape: Also scheduled for the Trumbull branch is an exhibition of paintings of the Italian landscape by artist/entertainer Tony Bennett. The show runs from June 1 through July 22, and will be highlighted by two Butler member events -- a meet-the-artist reception and an intimate, outdoor Tony Bennett concert.
A series of gallery talks by Director Dr. Louis Zona has just been announced. The four talks will take place at various Butler locations. Topics to be discussed are: The Post Impressionists (Sunday, March 25, 3 p.m., Trumbull branch); The Picasso Century (Wednesday, April 4, 2 p.m., Trumbull branch); Surrealism (Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m., Salem branch); American Art -- The 1950s & amp; 1960s (Wednesday, May 16, 2 p.m., Youngstown Butler). These free programs are made possible by Mr. and Mrs. William Clayman, Foundation Medici, The Salem Community Foundation, and National City Bank.
The Butler's film series continues this week with the one-hour documentary film "Dali" scheduled to be screened in the museum's Zona auditorium on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
XButler hours in Youngstown are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Hours at the Trumbull branch are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Salem hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to all three facilities is free.