The Butler Institute of American Art presents its unique juried show.

The Butler Institute of American Art presents its unique juried show.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Dr. Louis Zona, executive director of the Butler Institute of American Art, proclaimed the 70th National Midyear Exhibition as one of the best in years.
"Every aesthetic philosophy is represented, from traditional to avante garde," he said. "There are no weak pieces."
When Joseph Butler III started this exhibition 70 years ago, it was held in January as a New Year show, but was moved to summer sometime in the '60s.
What makes this particular show so unique, however, is that it is one of the few juried art shows still held at a major museum. Artists from all over the United States may submit slides or CDs of their works.
This year, 44 paintings are on display, representing 36 states, ranging from established artists to those who are just emerging.
And the judges over the years have been some of the country's most prestigious artists. This year's judge was Peter Plagens, a well-known abstract painter and art critic/writer from Newsweek. Plagens also has exhibited his works at the Butler.
"The Midyear remains one of the most important juried art shows in the country," said Zona. "Many artists choose not to submit works to jury. It has to do with the philosophical question of 'can any kind of judgment be placed on a work of art?' But others see it differently -- a feather in their cap. If you Google 'Midyear,' you would be amazed at how many now established artists had works in a midyear exhibition."
Participation
"Many museums just don't want to go through all the work it takes to present this show," added Kathy Earnhart, director of public relations at the Butler.
"Close to 2,000 artists submitted paintings this year. But the Butler has acquired many beautiful pieces through the Midyear. Each year, we purchase at least one."
This year's purchase is a painting by Cuyahoga Falls artist Mark Giangasper, titled, "Portrait of Chris," a pastel of the artist's brother who died of AIDS. It also won the Diane Bernhard Award.
Another interesting aspect of the show is that it isn't based on any theme or unifying element.
"Such a variety of approaches are represented here," said Zona. "The show is a cross section of all mediums of painting from all over the country -- New York City to small towns. It is a good look at what is going on in the current world of art."
And there is variety among painters.
Gary Erbe of Union City, N.J., has two works on display. "He is a self-taught artist who collects old things and paints them," said Zona. "He uses traditional materials and prepares the canvas in a traditional way. He also designs his own frames."
A painting titled "The Journey" resembles an embossed Christmas card from the early 20th century. Three angels are topped by a Santa scene. Another painting, "Double Image," depicts a teal-colored shelf that displays an old-fashioned camera on a folded silk cloth, a little wooden mannequin, a small globe and several collections of paints. Even though the two paintings are very different, they both project a wonderful look of texture, a 3-D effect, which makes one want to touch them.
Matthew Dibble of Lakewood, Ohio, also has two paintings in the exhibit. "Quarry" is a large oil in hues of earth tones and bears a hint of cubism. This fascinating work, which won an honorable mention, takes shape as the viewer steps farther back, with figures slowly appearing out of the chaos.
Another work, "Perception of Trees" is much more abstract and features shades of pinks, blues, mauves. But, tree shapes are obvious.
Area artist
Three area artists also are represented in the show. They are:
*Don Williams of Youngstown, a camera man at WKBN-TV 27. His work, an acrylic on canvas is titled, "Jus Passin Thru."
*Stella Zeigler of Youngstown. Her work, an oil painting, is titled, "Place for a Vase?"
*Lela Coope of Canfield. Her work, an acrylic on canvas, is titled, "Muybridge Figure."