Area Artists Annual Exhibition to Open at The Butler

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Area Artists Annual, a juried exhibition of works by local artists, will open Sunday at The Butler Institute of American Art.

The exhibition, now in its 85th year, features original works in all media created by artists living in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties in Ohio; and Mercer and Lawrence counties in Pennsylvania.

Works include paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, pastels, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics and sculpture.

A total of 120 pieces by 102 artists were selected for the show.

An opening reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, with awards announced at 2 p.m. This year, a special award will be presented in memory of longtime Butler employee Jean Shreffler, who managed the Area Artists Annual for years.

Admission to the opening reception is free and open to the public. Parking is available in The Butler lot, 524 Wick Ave., and the nearby F1 lot at Youngstown State University.

The show was juried by self-taught artist Tom Acosta of Iaeger, W.Va. 

Louis Zona, director of The Butler, said the AAA demonstrates the high level of artistic talent in the area.

Pictured at top: “Realty Tower,” a painting by Willie Duck, is included in the Area Artists Annual exhibition.