KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers 'American Holiday' preparation under way

Once again, The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown is preparing for the annual Fine Art and Craft Show and Sale, "An American Holiday," Dec. 1 and 2 at the museum, 524 Wick Ave.
This year the event is celebrating its 31st anniversary with more than 100 unique artisans on hand displaying exquisite, one-of-a-kind works to cherish or to give to friends and family.
"An American Holiday," which is one of the region's most anticipated Christmas traditions, benefits the Butler's yearlong children's program.
The "American Holiday" event begins Nov. 30 with a Butler members preview from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost for the event is $20 for Butler members, and $25 for guests of members. The preview party includes hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Reservations are necessary for the preview and may be made by calling (330) 743-1711, ext. 117. Members attending the preview will be presented with a free poster -- a reproduction of a work from the Butler collection.
The Butler's annual craft show will be open to the public Dec. 1-2. The show will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1.
"American Holiday" hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2. Admission to the show is $3 per person per day, and children under 12 are free. Free parking is available in the Youngstown State University M-1 Parking Deck, located across from the Butler Institute.
Appraisals: Free fine art appraisals by The Bonfoey Company (Cleveland) will be available from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 2. (No antiques will be appraised, and there is a two-item limit on fine art appraisals.)
Entertainment for the event includes The Stephen Foster Chorus (Dec. 1, 11 a.m.), the Youngstown Connection (Dec. 1, 2 p.m.), Spirit of the Valley Sweet Adelines (Dec. 1, 3:30 p.m.), Jocko the Clown (throughout the day Dec. 1), and caricaturist Richard Muccio (throughout the day Dec. 2).
Luncheon and desserts served by Antone's Restaurants will be available for purchase each day of the public event.
In addition to the jewelry, furniture, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, wood, photography, decorative crafts, metal, glass and fiber art, this year's Butler craft show will feature several unique displays.
Featured artists: Returning to the show is Ruth Jennings of Brookfield with her award-winning egg artistry -- a skill that has made her world-renown.
Also featured this year are creations by Sharpsville, Pa.'s Vincent Pagliaroli, a designer of fanciful duck decoys. Sharon Hessoun of Akron will bring her unique jewelry creations to the Butler's holiday event, and Cathleen Nicora of Youngstown will return to the show with her beautiful floral paintings.
Silversmiths Nancy Van Niel and Peter Passantino of Loudonville, Ohio, will present traditional and contemporary creations in precious metals, while a perennial favorite -- pottery artist Anne Hendel from Alliance -- returns to the Butler with her outstanding collection of stoneware designs.
White-Rannard woodsmiths from Pulaski, Pa., will present unique carved "floral" arrangements, and Michael Gubkin of Ravenna will be on hand with his award-winning, lustrous wheel-turned ceramics.
Not to be missed are the expanded offerings of the Butler's Museum Gift Shop, located on the Institute's main floor.
From ornaments and decorations to holiday attire and wearable art, the Butler shop offers a wide variety of choice gifts at every price level.
Butler members receive a substantial discount on many items, and special bargains for all will be offered during the "American Holiday" sale.
As a result of the donation by New Jersey artist Gary Erbe of a limited edition reproduction of his painting titled "Compositions in Red, White and Blue," the print, which is suitable for framing, will be available in the Butler shop now and during the holiday event.
All proceeds from the sale of this painting will benefit New York City's Robinhood Fund, which assists Sept. 11 attack victims.
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. Butler hours at the Trumbull branch are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Butler Salem hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to all three facilities is free.