Event will feature 100 participants

Painted eggs, woven items and pastries are just a few of the items for sale.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- A longtime tradition will once again fill the halls of The Butler Institute of American Art.
An American Holiday at the Butler will feature the works of 100 artists, artisans and crafters, all available for purchase. Offerings include art pieces and fine art, wearable art -- even food.
David Misalko of Whitetail Gallery in Boardman has been participating in the event for about 20 years. He specializes in watercolor paintings and will include some of his pencil drawings in the show.
Misalko credits Jack Haims, who manages the vendors, for keeping the Butler event moving forward each year. "Last year the exhibit was well-received, an excellent show," he said.
Sue Cykon paints eggs to sell at the event but says it is more the social aspect that she looks forward to. "When I go to The Butler, I feel like it's the start of Christmas," she said. "I know so many people there, both vendors and customers, and it is always so nice to see them all again. And there are always so many different and interesting items at the show. When I started doing this event, we had only 53 vendors."
Her history
Cykon has been involved with the Butler show for 19 years but says she has been painting eggs forever. "My mom was a ceramic teacher and did lots of brush-stroke work, so I grew up with painting." said Cykon. "She died in 1980. Then my dad took up raising quail. I used to collect the eggs and paint them."
Cykon now specializes in acrylic painting of goose and quail eggs, which she buys already blown (the contents have been blown out through a small hole). For the Butler event, she paints mostly Christmas designs and birds, and the eggs are suitable for hanging ornaments. She says they are not as fragile as people might think because they are coated and varnished and are about as delicate as a regular tree ornament.
Helen Comminos represents Chapter 183 of the Daughters of Penelope, a philanthropic women's organization. She has been participating in the event for 25 years and sells Greek pastries there. She said last year she sold out on Sunday before the event was over.
Fred Ullom is a retired Youngstown State University computer network engineer who took up weaving as a hobby as a counterbalance to the high-tech world. He started making scarves, shawls and other garments and was so successful that he retired and devoted his time to his art.
Old-fashioned weaving
"I use rather expensive, exotic fibers to work with," said Ullom. "These include cashmere, silks, wools and wool-silk blends." Ullom said that many weavers now use computerized looms, but he still works the old-fashioned way and concentrates on exploring intricate patterns.
On Dec. 4, free art appraisals will be available (with a limit of two) as well as free portraits by caricaturist Rick Muccio.
This event will be open to the public Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A preview for members only will be Dec. 2 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Admission is $3, with children under 12 admitted free. Free parking will be available in the M-1 deck at YSU. For more information or to become a member, call (330) 743-1711.
The Butler is at 524 Wick Ave.