KATHRYN EARNHART | The Butlers Abstract artist exhibits improvisation, humor

Today at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, the public will have the rare opportunity to meet one of the art world's best-loved personalities, painter Robert Natkin.
The artist will be on hand for the opening of a Butler exhibition titled "Portraits." The show, which is on view in the museum's Davis Gallery through Oct. 26, is made possible in part by Jessica Ruiter and Dr. Richard Hart.
For more than four decades, Natkin has been the poetic voice of American abstract art. His unique canvases are rich with color and texture, and his unmistakable style of improvisation, humor and spontaneity has become instantly recognizable.
From the much-photographed mural Natkin created for New York City's Rockefeller Center to the dynamic canvases that have appeared in popular films such as "A Perfect Murder," along with the lyrical works on paper often seen on television productions, Natkin's unique abstract works have become part of our popular culture.
Internationally recognized, this artist is represented in the collections of major museums worldwide, including: the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; the Whitney Museum of American Art; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; The Art Institute of Chicago; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C.; the Centre Pompidou, Paris; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; The San Francisco Museum of Art; and the Butler Institute.
Family-inspired
This Natkin exhibition, created specifically for the Butler Institute, is a departure from Natkin's well-known abstractions. This artist's "Portraits" are imaginative images inspired by Natkin's friends, family and associates.
The artist's familiar abstract surfaces support these new figurative works, and viewers will easily be able to draw comparisons to the Natkin canvas from the Butler's permanent collection now on view in the museum's second-floor galleries.
Henry Gasser works
Also opening today is an exhibition of works by American painter Henry Gasser (1909-1981) titled "Beyond City Limits."
Born in Newark, the artist resided in New Jersey all of his life, studying and working there as a painter, teacher, author and illustrator.
Gasser was a master of the media of watercolor and oil, and he chose as his subjects the common, everyday scenes -- city streets, houses, back yards and public parks -- as well harbor scenes and fishing villages. Thus his work has always appealed to that sense of common ground.
This first major retrospective of Gasser's work was organized by The Butler and curated by Gary Erbe of Union City, New Jersey.
The exhibition opened at the Morris Museum (Morristown, NJ), and will also be seen at Seton Hall University's Walsh Gallery (South Orange, N.J.) and the Springfield Art Museum (Springfield, Mo).
Richard Schmid exhibition
Continuing on view in Youngstown is the very popular retrospective of works by Vermont-based artist Richard Schmid.
The artist's appearance at the Butler recently drew several hundred visitors from across the nation to Youngstown. California, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Georgia, Florida and Michigan were among the states represented by the fans of Richard Schmid who attended slide presentations, a preview reception and the public opening.
The extraordinary Richard Schmid exhibition continues through Oct. 19 in Butler second-floor galleries.
Holography show
On view through Dec. 28 in the Butler's Beecher wing is the new holography show by French-born artist Philippe Boissonnet.
"Efflorescence & amp; Other Works," includes technological art created by this Montreal-based artist that brings interactivity into play.
Upon entering the installation, the viewer's voice and movement around holographic sculptures activate the works. Thus the installation contains many forms of communication: visual, verbal, aural and technological.
Included in the show are the artist's well-known installation works, including the very beautiful "Je(t)u."
Now on view at the Butler Trumbull branch, at 9350 E. Market St. in Howland Township, are recent works by the master of optical paintings Al Held. The show, a must-see, concludes Sept. 28.
And coming soon to the Butler's Salem branch, at 343 E. State St., will be works by American 20th century painter Jimmy Ernst. The show, which opens Sept. 20, is presented at the Butler with the cooperation of ACA Galleries, New York City.
Jimmy Buffett tribute
From 7 to 11 p.m. Sept. 27, the Butler will present an end of summer party featuring Jimmy Buffett Tribute band "Fins to the Left."
Tickets for the event are $15 per person advance and $20 at the door.
The fund-raiser, a part of the Butler's "Rock the Museum Series" will feature great food, a cash bar, prizes and give-aways.
To reserve, make checks payable to The Butler Institute of American Art, and mail to 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio, 44502. Call the Butler for Visa or MasterCard reservations at (330) 743-1107, ext. 122.
Free parking will be available in the YSU decks.
Tropical or casual dress is encouraged.
Highlighting the evening will be an exhibit titled "A Photographic Tribute to the Tropics" created by regional photographer Joseph P. Rudinec.
Proceeds benefit free Butler programs.
Brochures are now available for Butler classes. Call (330) 743-1711, ext. 117 for more information.
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.