KATHRYN EARNHART | At the Butler National publication cites new Giffuni pastel gallery

The Butler Institute of American Art's new Giffuni Gallery of American Pastels, along with the museum's historic collection, are the subject of a special edition of Pastelagram, a publication produced and distributed nationally by the Pastel Society of America (New York). The publication features articles on the founding of the Butler, commentary regarding key works in the collection, and a review of the inaugural exhibition on display in the Butler's new Flora B. Giffuni Gallery of American Pastels. (This beautiful, newly named gallery was made possible by a generous contribution from Mrs. Giffuni.)
Pastel Society of America President Barbara Fischman stated, "The Butler Institute is an elegant American museum. With its synergy of understated harmony of polished wooden floors, open spaces and a refreshing ambiance, it is an optimum setting for pastels. The very best Pastel Society of America artworks will eventually find their way into the Giffuni Gallery at the Butler Institute."
According to Butler Director Dr. Louis Zona, "If the art world has such designations, Flora Giffuni would be deemed the 'patron saint of pastels.' The founding of the Giffuni Gallery at the Butler, our country's pioneer among American art museums, is fitting. The recognition of our efforts by the nation's premier pastel publication is icing on the cake."
The spring 2004 issue of Pastelagram is available to the public in the Butler's Museum Gift Shops. Butler members will receive a copy of the magazine by mail.
Midyear Show
The Butler's 68th National Midyear Show will open to the public Saturday, after the preview reception for Butler members and midyear artists from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. The 68th National Midyear, an annual juried show, surveys the trends in American painting and presents works by artists living in the United States. This year's exhibition was curated by artist and arts writer Donald Holden, and awarded by artist and distinguished art historian Edward Lucie-Smith. The show is made possible in part by Dianne B. Bernhard.
Ninety artists from nearly 30 states are represented in this year's show, which offers something for every taste and art interest. Paintings range from oil to watercolor and pastel, and include realist wonders, abstract compositions as well as expressionist and experimental techniques. A catalog accompanies the show.
Ray Ellis retrospective
In addition to the National Midyear Show, two exhibitions will open this month at the Butler's branch museums. Beginning Sunday through Sept. 5 is "Ray Ellis in Retrospect: A Painter's Journey," which was shown previously at the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, Ga. This show provides a thorough examination of this artist's career, spanning five decades from his first solo exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1947 through his most recent works. The show of more than 70 works presents travel scenes from Africa to Antarctica, views of Martha's Vineyard (where the artist currently resides), marine subjects and cityscapes.
Ellis, who was commissioned to paint the annual White House Christmas card for 1998-2000, has works included in noteworthy public collections including Farnsworth Museum in Maine, Columbus Museum of Art in Georgia, Morris Museum in New Jersey, Hecksher Museum in New York, Telfair Museum of Art, as well as numerous corporate and private collections. This exhibition is made possible in part by Alan and Nancy Brant. The Trumbull branch is funded by Foundation Medici.
Kevin O'Toole exhibit
On view next Thursday through August at the Salem branch is an exhibition of works by Pittsburgh artist Kevin O'Toole. O'Toole's work is a synthesis of fine metals and rare woods resulting in constructions that follow a minimalist tradition. A meet-the-artist reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. next Thursday at the Salem branch, 343 E. State St. This facility is funded by Salem Community Foundation.
The Butler's education department is taking applications for the next docent training class to be held this fall. Docents (volunteer tour guides) are schooled in American art by Butler staff and visiting lecturers, preparing them to take the many groups through the museum and its collection. Those interested should contact Carole O'Brien, (330) 743-1107, Ext. 114.
XButler hours in Youngstown are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Butler hours at the Trumbull branch are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Butler Salem hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission to all facilities is free.