Artists stage exhibit to complement Jeep Fest
In conjunction with Butler's inaugural Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, The Associated Artists of Butler County will open the “Man and Machine” exhibit at 7 p.m. Friday.
“Artists were encouraged to include Jeep-related themes in their work,” said Paul Scanlon, AABC president.
The Art Center is poised and eager to participate with the festival. “We will be selling custom Jeep-themed T-shirts and children's commemorative Jeep coloring books as fundraisers,” Scanlon said.
Not to be missed is “'49 and ‘50,” a watercolor entry by Judith Raabe of Prospect. It is a colorful depiction of front end features of Jeep models from 1949 and 1950.
Also on display, “Rusting in Pieces” by John Scheuring is a junkyard glimpse of the wheels of yesteryear.
The original painting by Butler artist Tom Panei created to commemorate the first Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is included in this exhibit.
“The focal point of the painting is the Bantam Reconnaissance Car followed by two other Jeeps to depict the record-breaking Jeep parade,” said Scanlon, referring to the Friday night parade to take place in Butler.
Other exhibit offerings depict the Bantam factory building which recognizes Butler's American Bantam Car Co., and the American flag acknowledging the Jeep's role in World War II.
Also on display is a piece of artwork painted by Vandergrift artist Keith Justham that shows Jack Cohen, director of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, welcoming visitors to downtown Butler. There's even “mud” on the wheels.The Art Center's Member's Gallery will feature a portion of AABC member and Butler resident Terry Hagen's private collection, which is for sale.Prints offered include pieces by Henriette Wyeth, Gordon Phillips, Jose Manuel Capuletti, Leroy Nieman and Pierre Debelay, among others.“I've been collecting for years and frankly am running out of space,” said Hagen, whose paintings are priced from $75 to $1,500. “It is an eclectic mix of art. I just buy what I like or what speaks to me,” he added.The works have been acquired at auctions and yard sales, which Hagen frequents.Also, The Art Center will be one of the sites where Jeep Festival registrants can get their “passports” stamped. With six stamps from downtown locations, registrants will be able to enter a raffle for a $250 gift certificate from Butler Downtown.The exhibit opening also will feature a 50/50 raffle.The “Man and Machine” exhibit continues through Aug. 26. Call 724-283-6922 or visit www.aabcartcenter.com.The festival runs Friday through Sunday. Visit www.bantamjeepfestival.com.
