Artist’s oil pastel works at the Butler

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Butler Institute of American Art will feature “Transitions,” a solo show of oil pastel drawings by Diane Belfiglio, in its Giffuni Gallery Sunday through April 3.

The opening reception will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, and will feature both Belfiglio’s art and the music of her son, Michael Bastas, who will perform classic keyboards, original compositions and vocals.

“Transitions” displays Belfiglio’s oil pastel drawings from 2008 to 2010. Depictions of historic architecture and colorful floral works are at the core of Belfiglio’s art, which is characterized by a vibrant interplay of light and shadow.

Lou Zona, director of the Butler, described Belfiglio as “... a master in the use of light and dark. Her work dramatically emphasizes the power of contrast and does so in ways that invite the viewer to discover the visual and conceptual appeal of subtlety and simplicity.

“But what truly draws us to her work is her remarkable ability to organize visual components. I would suggest that Diane Belfiglio’s compositions are extraordinary examples of formalism and demonstrate a wonderful understanding of the effectiveness of a strong visual organization in the delivery of a concept. In many ways, her paintings serve as a virtual master class in form and in the handling of diverse visual elements.”

The newly created Giffuni gallery is an ideal venue for the show, according to Zona.

Belfiglio has taught at Syracuse University, Kent State University and The University of Akron. She is an adjunct professor at Walsh University, and teaches privately through her own studio.