"Between Men," artwork by Carlo Thertus, is part of Art: The Messenger, opening Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.

The works of internationally known artist Carlo Thertus will be on display at The Art Center, sponsored by the Associated Artists of Butler County, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday.

"The Art Center is honored to present a unique opportunity to view original artwork by Carlo Thertus, whose work is coveted by collectors worldwide," said Rebecca Rose, exhibit coordinator.

"He actually found us via the Internet and offered to bring his Art: the Messenger show to Butler," she said. "After reviewing his work, we eagerly accepted."

Haitian born and now living in New York, Thertus paints from his visions and dreams and a passionate belief that sharing his work can aid in preventing the world's ultimate destruction. His works center on humanity, with the ultimate goal of peace.

"I have seen too much violence. Consciousness should be just and peaceful, and energy should be used positively," said Thertus. "My paintings are expressing my hope and desire for all humanity to live in peace."

In the summer of 1991, Thertus painted "The End ... The Beginning," one of his earliest works. It depicts the pride of freedom. He said he knew it was a message he was meant to paint and that only the president of the United States should have. In 1994, he sent the painting to President Clinton, and it was welcomed into the White House, where it still hangs.

"Man must become more aware of his environment," Thertus said. "Nature and world politics are both in a fragile state. We must find harmony to exist. Hand in hand, people of all races have to unite to save our planet."

Thertus' work is on a grand scale and is perfectly showcased in the main Rittelmann Gallery at The Art Center.

"The high ceilings and 2,200-plus square feet allow viewers to experience the total impact of these emotional and extraordinary artworks," Rose said.

Accolades for his work are well documented in numerous publications, including The New York Times, New York Newsday, Long Island Newsday, Art Nexus and Long Island Voice.

He also has shown his work at the African American Museum in Hempstead and at galleries in Boston, Florida and California.

Thertus said he believes that art has its own function in our world and that according to the world's conditions today, art in itself is the messenger of our time.

His works will be on display through Aug. 22 at The Art Center. They are for sale and range in price from prints in the hundreds of dollars to originals in the thousands of dollars.

A Drumming Circle with Carlo will take place at 8:30 p.m. during the opening Friday.

Also opening Friday at The Art Center will be "Farm Markets" by Barbara Hutcheson in the Member's Gallery, and "The Coast" by Charles Mintz in the Mezzanine Gallery. These exhibits will continue through Aug. 22 as well.

<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT: </B>Art: The Messenger, by Carlo Thertus<B>WHEN: </B>Friday through Aug. 22; hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays<B>WHERE: </B>The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<B>ADMISSION: </B>Free<B>INFORMATION: </B>724-283-6922 or www.butlerartcenter.net