Art, craft sale at the Butler museum

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Butler Institute of American Art will present its annual American Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Sale this weekend.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The event is inside the gallery spaces, Great Hall and Beecher Court of the museum, at 524 Wick Ave.

Admission is $7 ($6 with a nonperishable food item donation for Second Harvest Food Bank; free for children 12 and under).

“The Butler’s annual craft show has kicked off the holiday season in our community for nearly five decades,” said Louis A. Zona, executive director of the Butler. “For sure it is the most beautiful arts and crafts show in America, being housed in one of the most beautiful structures in our land.”

The show and sale will feature original and unique creations by more than 90 artists and artisans, and entertainment is scheduled throughout the event.

Proceeds from the show and sale support the museum’s year-round free admission, as well as its free public programs and art education outreach. On Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m., Bryce Auction and the Bonfoey Gallery will offer free art appraisals (limit two items per person).

A variety of hand-crafted pieces that make excellent gifts will be available, from pottery, paintings and prints, glass and decor to jewelry, toys, herbal products and treats.

Highlights include:

Artisan Confections: Known for Chocolate Moonshine Bars, wrapped in Belgian chocolate, filled with a smooth center made of cream and fresh-pressed fruits, and hand painted with French cocoa butter.

Live, decorated boxwood trees, centerpieces and decorations by Debbie and Lisa Dory of North Lima.

World-renowned Faberge-style egg creations by Alcraft Egg Artistry of Brookfield.

Hand tooled leather products by Ron Meade Leather of Sharpsville, Pa.

Wooden toys, benches, shelves, doll furniture and more by Morrison’s Wood Toys of Grove City, Pa.

Natural artisan jewelry, unique leather craft accessories, wood and leather instruments and herbal/ medicinal/organic tea blends by Tigerlily Boutique & Botanical of Fredericktown.

Jewelry, clocks and sculptures made from recycled high tech, functional components by ARTECO/Stewart and Susan Webb of Darlington, Pa.

Handcrafted herbal and aromatherapy-based soaps, as well as products for body and home care, by Thistle Dew of Akron.