Butler patrons get first glance at Pollock masterpiece

YOUNGSTOWN - Christmas for Laura Yuricek Spear and her husband, Chris, has meant enjoying traditional celebrations, spending time with family and taking in a bit of local culture.

The holidays also provided an unexpected treat.

“I was completely surprised. I had no idea it was here,” said Laura Spear, referring to a $2 million Jackson Pollock painting she saw displayed Sunday at the Butler Institute of American Art on Wick Avenue.

The painting that kicked her artistic appreciation into high gear was the 336-square-inch work, “Silver and Black” that Pollock painted in 1950 using metallic paint and oil. Last week, the masterpiece was given to the Butler as a gift by William and Linda Roemer of Pittsburgh, and was installed Saturday in the museum’s Beeghly Schaff Gallery.

Pollock, who represented a style called abstract expressionism, is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most significant and influential American artists. He adopted a gestural, magical-looking painting style in which he sometimes made movements that resembled an orchestra conductor.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.