The Butler Institute of American Art

Many “gems” of culture can be found in the most unlikely places. It would only make sense a museum, whose mission “to preserve and collect works of art in all media created by citizens of our country,” would be located in Washington, D.C. Nope; Youngstown, Ohio lays claim to The Butler Institute of American Art; the first museum of American art.

Dedicated in 1919, the Butler, as it is called by the locals is a wonderful architectural masterpiece in and of itself. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Wick Avenue structure is the work of architectural geniuses McKim, Mead and White. Known worldwide as “America’s Museum,” the Butler not only houses extensive individual works by American artists (more than 20,000 now), it is a living museum – meaning the community doesn’t just visit every once in awhile. The Butler is an active venue – one weekend hosting a wedding, another offering art classes to children, and always its door are open to the public where anyone can peruse the exhibits on display – free of charge.

Arguably its most well-known masterpiece would be 1872 Winslow Homer work “Snap the Whip” depicting school age children playing this game. The recent acquisition of preeminent American illustrator Norman Rockwell’s “Lincoln the Railsplitter” has recently draw the most attention to the Butler. According to Butler Director Dr. Louis Zona, “If ever a painting belonged in the collection of the Butler Institute, this is the one. Painted by America’s most beloved artist, Norman Rockwell, this work depicts our country’s most beloved president, Abraham Lincoln. Given the fact that the Butler is our country’s first museum of American art, this masterpiece by one of the greatest of American artists is a most perfect addition.”

How fortunate people of the Mahoning Valley are to have such a facility in their backyards! Besides affording the opportunity to view such magnificent works of art, the Butler offers area residents a chance to stretch their artistic talent as well. The Butler Institute of American Art has offered art classes for many years, but space to host such classes was limited. In a continued effort to preserve Youngstown’s historic structures, the Butler recently acquired the First Christian Church located right next to the museum on Wick Ave. Now know as Butler North, this Youngstown landmark houses the Dennison Center, home to the Butler’s education department. Here art classes for children, adults, home-schoolers and high school scholars keep the Center busy most weeknights and weekends.

In another effort to bring the community in the Butler offers a variety of opportunities. Area teachers are encouraged to bring their students to visit and experience fine American art first-hand through programs specifically for this purpose. The Butler has instituted the “Adopt-A-Painting” program where anyone can donate money in order to help preserve and conserve the paintings in the Butler’s collection. It is interesting to note the museum receives no revenues from the city, state or county, but relies on contributions from the community and the nation to meet its cultural mission.

A holiday tradition, the 38th Annual American Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show will take place December 5 through the 7th. A juried show, artists are invited to submit an application to participate in this juried event where all work exhibited must be hand-created representing the best in ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship.

Since the Butler is a non-profit institution, the facility can not be used for fund-raising events for other organizations; however, it is available for receptions, retirement dinners or like private occasions.

Often Youngstown gets a bad rap as being a depressed former steel town. And while the area still has issues, The Butler Institute of American Art continues to shine as a thriving part of this Mahoning Valley community as it showcases the best in American fine art.

www.butlerart.com

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