Library to feature works of Al Parella

The Poland Township artist died in 1999 at age 90.

POLAND — Two groups are coming together to share the works of a late township artist with the community.

People who own paintings by Al Parella, who died in May 1999, are asked to bring the works Saturday to the Poland Branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. Security will be provided for the paintings.

The library and Town One Streetscapes, a community beautification group, are sponsoring “The Works of Al Parella.”

The library displays about 50 of the artist’s pieces, mostly watercolors, at the branch on state Route 170.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the program beginning about 10 a.m. There is no charge and the event is open to the public.

Parella’s daughter, Susan D’Onofrio, will give a presentation during the event, talking about her father’s career in advertising.

There also will be information about getting a Parella painting appraised and insuring it.

Another session will cover interior decorating, particularly focusing on displaying paintings.

Those who bring paintings for display will be eligible to win another Parella painting.

There also will be a fundraiser, the proceeds of which will go toward resurrecting the Poland Art Show.

Attendees to Saturday’s event can buy a raffle ticket for a $5,000 Parella painting.

Both paintings are being donated by Parella’s daughter.

Background

Parella was born in 1909 in Youngstown and graduated from South High School and the Cleveland School of Art.

He taught classes for Cleveland Museum School then worked for several advertising agencies, as a cartoonist for the Youngstown Telegram newspaper and worked at WKBN for 25 years.

Parella taught classes in advertising at Youngstown State University and in commercial art at the Butler Institute of American Art.

He was the first recipient of the Butler Medal for service in the arts.

After his death, Dr. Louis Zona, Butler director, said: “Al Parella was as extraordinarily gifted artist who showed us the beauty within our environment.

“Through his art he demonstrated his love of Youngstown and its people,” Zona was quoted in column that ran in The Vindicator.