KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers Holiday craft show ends today

Today, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Avenue in Youngstown, will celebrate the final day of the 32nd annual American Holiday Fine Art and Crafts show and sale.
More than 100 vendors have installed thousands of works that offer something for every holiday-giving need. There are toys for children, art to wear, seasonal decorations, jewelry, crafts of all kinds, and delicious candy, pastries and food.
Admission to the show is $3 per person, children under age 12 are admitted free of charge, and free parking is available in the nearby Youngstown State University M-1 parking deck.
Food will be served all day by Antone's restaurant, and today's entertainment includes the Youngstown Connection and vocalist Elysia Shutrump.
Well-known regional artist Richard Muccio will draw free caricatures, and Cleveland's Bonfoey Company will be on hand from 1 to 4 p.m. to offer free appraisals of fine artworks. (Limit on appraisals is two items; sorry, no antiques.)
What else is available
Among the vendors located on the main level of the Butler are Agnes Clark of the Fragrant Path who again presents beautiful creations created from her own garden including unique decorative wreaths.
In Beecher Court, Shelton Matthews Chocolates offers incredible treats to enjoy or to give to others.
Also in Beecher Court, woodcarver Rick Cox will be demonstrating his craft and Youngstown's Daughters of Penelope will offer delicious Greek pastries for sale.
Don't miss the egg artistry of Ruth Jennings, whose booth is located in Cushwa Gallery.
Also on the main floor of the Butler are the popular Dory Boxwood Trees, incredible art vases from Old Patagonia Pottery, and Raymond Nelson's sculpted glass.
The second floor features a vast array of handmade works of art including candles, soaps, beeswax items, Anne Hendel stoneware (a longtime favorite), and the antique-inspired original furniture designed by Jim and Sherry Moosewood.
New this year are the "Treasured Creations" designed by Barb and Sue Timmins -- a collection of accessories and art to wear.
Cleveland Jeweler James Walker and hand weaver Fred Ullom are two of the many vendors returning to the Butler holiday show.
Gift shop
Of great interest is the popular Butler Museum Gift Shop, which is overflowing with seasonal items and very special gifts. (Next year, look for the Butler shop in its new location, at the West end of the museum's first floor. The expanded facility will open in the spring of 2003.)
The Butler shop features many items, including greeting cards inspired by the institute's collection as well as the collections of the National Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum.
Beautiful gift wrap, ornaments, toys and games, jewelry, scarves, ties and seasonal decorations are available in the Butler shop.
The Butler also offers gifts of Butler membership and Butler gift shop certificates.
The Butler's education program can be given in the form of a gift of a student or adult art class.
Proceeds from the Butler's annual American Holiday benefit the Butler's family programs.
The Butler is grateful to business sponsors Antone's, The Bonfoey Company, and French Street Caf & eacute; & amp; Bakery. Special thanks to Florence Wang (preview chairwoman), John MacIntosh (preview co-chairman), and preview committee Jim Appel, Pam Appel, Renee Bitonte, Marilyn Chiu, Dr. Y. T. Chiu, Jenny Chung, Phyllis Cross, Andrew Detesco, Gloria Detesco, Lynn Doyle, Kathy Dwinnells, Camilla Geordan, Anita Gestosani, Artis Gillam, Louise Gillam, John Grdic, C. Gilbert James, Pamela Booth-Kubic, Dr. Humberto Latorre, Maria Latorre , Jenifer Lloyd, Nancy Merlo, Dr. James Might, Ann Might, Helen Paes, Eleanor Pershing, Marilyn Pogue, Beth Roberts, Gary Roberts, Pat Sweet and Mary Walton. Very special thanks to Butler docents and museum shop volunteers who staff the annual show.
'60s events a success
Last month's Abbey Road concert and art tribute to the 1960s was a very successful community event with more than 750 guests enjoying great art, good music and fine food at the Butler. A similar evening is being planned for the spring of 2003. Butler members will receive invitations to the event, and the public will be informed via newspaper and radio advertising.
Special thanks to '60's Tribute sponsors Y-103, The Vindicator, DiRusso Sausage, Antone's, A & amp;M Party rentals, Commercial Printing Company, AVI Foodsystems, Dr. & amp; Mrs. Constantine Economus, Pepsi, Panera Bread and Gordon Brothers Water.
XThe Butler and its branches will be closed Christmas Eve at 2 p.m., and will be closed all of Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Butler regular 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 Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to all three facilities is free.