KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers Orchid gala, photo essay highlight exhibitions

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown is displaying "Winter Orchidarium," a thematic exhibition that includes works in watercolor, glass, oil, graphite and cibachrone from some of America's most respected contemporary artists.
Included are works by Carolyn Brady, Bill Richards, Debora Moore, Joseph Raffael, Gregory Halili, Mark Depman, Michael Gregory and David Bierk. The exhibition is courtesy of the Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York City, where it was first seen in the summer of 2001.
To highlight the exhibition, a flower arranging demonstration by Jo Coupland Reese is planned for 1 p.m. Oct. 21. The program is free, but reservations are required.
Orchid inspiration: The Butler's exhibition of works inspired by orchids is as varied as the elegant flower itself. Gregory isolates his rendition of the orchid, set against a dark background, and offers homage to the flower like an ancient Greek icon. Brady, whose flower paintings were on view at the Butler Trumbull branch two years ago, places white orchids at the breakfast table in a wonderful watercolor interior. Bierk juxtaposes the historical and the contemporary in an orchid "landscape" of symbols that pays tribute to the American master Martin Heade. With glass as her medium, Moore creates an intricate orchid "sculpture" of sophistication. The exhibition continues on view through Nov. 18.
Photo essay: The ever-changing neighborhoods of Cleveland contrasted with the unchanging religious structures of that city provided the inspiration for photographer Michael Levy's photographic essay titled "Sacred Landmarks."
This exhibition of nearly 40 color photographs is a metaphor for urban culture, past and present. Monumental, timeless and inspirational structures are contrasted with the trivial, the transient and the commonplace -- conveying the evolving nature of urban form and structure. These photographs serve to illuminate the past by spotlighting the present, daring us to wonder about the future. These works beautifully juxtapose time and place.
The "Landmarks" exhibition resulted from a partnership within the Urban University Program Centers at Cleveland State University, Kent State University, the University of Akron and Youngstown State University. The UUP network is a regional resource for the research and documentation of the history, institutional memory, architecture, aesthetic features and current uses of sacred landmarks in Northeast Ohio, serving as a catalyst for preservation, information and stewardship. The Butler's exhibition is presented in cooperation with the YSU Center for Urban Studies and made possible by the Institute's Mesaros Fund. The exhibition remains on view through November.
On staff at the Plain Dealer since 1960, award-winning photographer Levy has traveled to Russia, Israel, Jordan and Uganda. He has covered events as diverse as the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, the 50th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy and the Lucasville prison riot, as well as many other international events. The recipient of Ohio News Photographers Association photographer of the year award in 2000, Levy's work has been published in Time, Life, and U.S. News and World Report, and was recently exhibited at Cleveland State University.
The Butler Institute will honor Levy with a meet-the-artist reception from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21.
Children's film: Also at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Butler's Zona Auditorium, a film for children titled "The Monkey People" will be shown. The tale is narrated by Raul Julia with music by Lee Ritenour. This Colombian fable takes place deep in the rain for`est of the Amazon jungle.
Following the film, a family day activity is planned. Reservations are required.
Other events: On Nov. 4, artist Bill Thompson will visit the Butler to speak about his current show "Altered Flats." A public reception will be from 1 to 3 p.m., with the gallery talk by Thompson at 2 p.m.
This show features technical methods invented and used exclusively by Thompson, a respected Boston painter whose work follows the minimalist tradition. "Altered Flats," which is on view in the walkway galleries of the Butler's Beecher Center, was funded by the Taylor Winfield Foundation.
From 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, watercolor artist Henry Casselli will be at the Butler in Youngstown to speak about his retrospective exhibition and to sign the book of his work, which documents his life and work.
Call (330) 743-1711, extension 117, to make reservations for events that require them.
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.