KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers Visit to three facilities covers wide range of art

For nearly 85 years, The Butler Institute of American Art has brought fine-arts programming to the Mahoning Valley in a world-class museum.
The Butler and its two branch facilities, in Salem and Howland, offer free admission and can be easily accessed for a day trip for both visitors and residents.
Begin your day trip at the Butler in Youngstown, at 524 Wick Ave., next to Youngstown State University.
Constructed in 1917-19, the historical building is easy to locate with its distinctive McKim, Mead and White marble facade, and J. Massey Rhind's "Indian Scout" sculpture prominently placed on the front lawn. Free parking is available on the north side of the museum.
The Butler's permanent collection, which features more than three centuries of art by Americans, has recently returned from a 21/2-year national tour funded by New York's Henry Luce Foundation, and is being reinstalled in refurbished main floor Butler galleries.
Also located on the first floor is the Butler's Donnell Gallery of American Sports Art, works with a sports theme by master artists. A highlight of the Butler sports art collection is the ultrarealist sculpture "The Baseball Player" by Marc Sijan.
Holographic exhibits
In the Beecher south wing, see the incredibly three-dimensional holograms by Shu-Min Lin and take the opportunity to walk on the artist's holographic "Glass Ceiling."
Beginning May 25, more holographic works will be installed in the Beecher wing as the work of Britain's Andrew Pepper opens with an afternoon artist's reception.
In addition to the display of contemporary works from the Butler collection, the second level displays works in pastel from artists across the nation who are members of the Pastel Society of America.
Also on the Butler's second level are whimsical ceramic works by California artist Linda Fitz Gibbon and the studies for famed tribute monuments by Nathan Rapoport.
From the Butler in Youngstown, drive north on Route 193 and turn west on Old Route 82, past the Avalon Inn complex to the Butler Trumbull branch located at 9350 E. Market St.
Today, an exhibition titled "Manolo Valdes in America," which features sculpture, lithographs and paintings by a Spanish-born artist of world renown, opens for a six-week run. An event to highlight this wonderful exhibition is planned for June.
Outdoors at the Trumbull branch, permanent works by Sophia Vari and Don Gummer have been joined by a sculpture walk featuring monumental works by noted sculptors Tony Smith, Jeffrey Rubinoff, Alexander Lieberman, Joseph McDonnell, Robert Murray and Beverly Pepper.
Children will definitely enjoy this outdoor discovery experience.
The Butler Trumbull branch is funded by Foundation Medici.
Access state Route 11 south to Route 224 (Canfield), then take Route 62 to Route 9, and turn right onto State Street to visit the Butler's Salem branch. The storefront facility is at 343 E. State St. in Salem.
In Salem
Now on view at the Butler in Salem are the works of three photographers with the Youngstown State University Art Department who recently toured China. A record of their adventure can be seen on gallery walls at the Butler Salem branch through July 5.
Also on display are watercolor studies for stained-glass windows created at the turn of the 20th century by Payne-Speirs Studios. The exhibition is courtesy of Roberta and Wallace Myers.
The Butler Salem branch is funded by the Salem Community Foundation.
Recently, the Butler honored some of its members with the museum's annual Trustees Circle dinner. The event pays tribute to individuals, companies and organizations contributing $300 or more annually to the Butler.
Nearly 250 people attended the dinner where special honors were presented to technology artists Norman Mercer (sculptor) and Shu-Min Lin (holographer). Both artists have works in the Beecher south wing of the Butler.
The Butler Medal for Life Achievement in the Arts was presented to artist-curator Gary T. Erbe and to artist-historian Robert Godfrey.
In addition to Butler Trustees Circle, the Butler offers memberships beginning at $30. Each level of Butler membership offers a variety of benefits including discounts on art classes and Museum Gift Shop purchases. Butler members will receive discounts on food served in the Butler's new caf & eacute; set to open this summer.
Invitations and other literature regarding Butler exhibitions and events are regularly mailed to Butler Members.
Additionally, reciprocal benefits at participation museums nationwide may be obtained through Butler Membership.
For information about Butler membership, call (330) 743-1711, Ext. 124 or 125, or visit the Butler Web site at www.butlerart.com.
For information about Butler events and programs, call the museum at (330) 743-1711, Ext. 123.
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.