Butler museum honored for holography displays

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Butler Institute of American Art has been recognized for its championing of holographic art.

At a holography symposium last month, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology honored The Butler for its efforts with a presentation on the museum by Ohio artist-holographer Tom Cvetkovich.

“Due to the demanding nature of the holographic process, the expense of lasers and optics, the light medium remains, even today, a relatively rare art form.”

The first holographic exhibit at The Butler was “Through the Looking Glass” (1981), which was a traveling display curated by MIT.

More than 20 holographic shows have since been staged at The Butler and its Beecher Court technology wing. It’s a track record unmatched by any other institution of its kind, according to the International Society of Display Holography, which sponsored the MIT symposium.

“Over the years, The Butler has sought out some of the finest practitioners of holographic art,” said Louis Zona, director of the Butler. “The artists showcased by the museum have come to Youngstown from Taiwan, England, Brazil and from all over the United States.”

The Butler’s permanent collection includes more than 50 works by internationally renowned holographers. Many of these works are on permanent display.