KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers Indians player Vizquel takes in museum shows

Among the hundreds of visitors from across America who have traveled to Youngstown's Butler Institute to view the new fall exhibitions, none was more excited than Cleveland Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel.
A fan of the paintings of Richard Schmid, who has an exhibit at the Butler, Vizquel was also drawn to the museum's Donnell Gallery of American Sports Art.
A couple from Los Angeles, also Schmid enthusiasts, commented that the Butler is the liveliest art museum that they have visited, and were impressed especially by the enormous popularity of the Butler's new "Winslow's Caf & eacute;" as well as the holographic exhibitions in the Butler's Beecher south wing addition.
"I've never seen kids having so much fun in an art museum," commented the Californian, a college professor.
The popular Beecher wing houses many Butler permanent technological works including fiber-optic sculpture by Clyde Lynds, a laser/television piece created by Nam June Paik, two neon works invented by Alejandro and Moira Sina, and a wonderful Rube Goldberg-like contraption created by George Rhoads.
This month, a new installation piece by regional artists Ed Hallahan and Jacki Mountan titled "A Veiling" opened, creating much comment.
This work, which was designed specifically for the Beecher wing's Novak Gallery, juxtaposes traditional fiber materials and wooden sculpture with the technology of everyday living, creating an interesting contrast of cultures and media.
Art and science
Temporary shows in the Butler's Beecher Wing include holographic installations by Andrew Pepper and Philippe Boissonnet.
Both of these shows provoke lively discussion among visitors, intriguing children of all ages with their unique combination of visual art and science.
The previously mentioned Schmid retrospective, which will be on view at the Butler in Youngstown through Oct. 19, includes portraits, landscapes and still lifes.
Those who have come to Youngstown to see this exhibition praise the institute's own fine collection of American painting, and many have returned with friends or have referred others to visit the Butler. This show has brought art fans from as far away as Portugal.
Also currently on view in Youngstown are whimsical portraits created by Robert Natkin and an extensive retrospective show of paintings by Henry Gasser (1909-81) titled "Beyond City Limits."
Family day
Today is family day at the Butler.
Once a month, the museum offers this free program which includes a film for children, followed by a children's art activity designed by Butler art teacher Kathy Young.
Family Day begins at 1:30 p.m. Children attending the program must be accompanied by an adult.
The Butler's Sweeney Gallery, a hands-on activity center located on the museum's lower level, is also a popular destination for families visiting the museum.
Here, children can explore the Butler collection through games, puzzles, a dress-up station, arts and crafts materials and more.
The Sweeney Gallery is open during regular Butler hours.
Salem and Trumbull
An extensive exhibition of the work of artist Jimmy Ernst (1920-84) is now on display at the Butler's Salem branch, located at 343 East State St.
Ernst, an American born in Germany, was the son of Dada/surrealist artist Max Ernst and art historian and journalist Louise Straus-Ernst.
The work of his father, the art of Jean Arp, Paul Klee, Andr & eacute; Breton and Lyonel Feininger, and his friendship of William Baziotes all influenced this artist.
His work is found in major art collections including that of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This Butler exhibition was organized with assistance from ACA Galleries of New York City.
And the Butler's Trumbull branch, 9350 East Market St. in Howland, is featuring an exhibition of works by painter Claire Khalil.
This exhibition, "Six Themes," draws inspiration from works by the masters and also shows the influence of the artist's visits to Italy and Ireland.
Khalil explores the subjects of women in literature, angels and other narratives that reference spiritual, mythological and historical events.
This Butler show is presented in conjunction with Nancy Hoffman Gallery.
The Butler's Sept. 27 Jimmy Buffett tribute concert featuring "Fins to the Left" was a great success, drawing more than 600 visitors to the museum for a night of fine art, great music and good food.
Another concert event is planned for Nov. 8 from 7 to 11 p.m., when the Butler will again pay tribute to the Beatles by presenting "AbbeyRoad." This year the band's performance will include a Beatles Sgt. Peppers tribute.
Event sponsors include Y-103, Butler, Wick & amp; Co., Antone's, DiRusso Sausage, The Vindicator, Taylor-Winfield Foundation, WFMJ-TV 21, Rossi Insurance Agency, Mr. & amp; Mrs. Edward J. DeBartolo, Dr. Constantine & amp; Renae Economus, Pepsi, Panera Bread, AVI Foodsystems and A M Party Rentals.
Free parking will be provided in the nearby YSU deck.
Event proceeds benefit free Butler programs.
Butler members will receive invitations to this event, which is also open to the public.
For information, to become an event sponsor, or for tickets, call (330) 743-1107, Ext. 122.
XButler 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.