Annabelle Bistransin is just one of the Butler Area Public Library patrons who had her portrait taken for an art exhibit now available at the library. Submitted Photo

Butler Area Public Library is hosting an exhibit in which Butler photographer Helen Bunting-Hart took photos of library users.

Entitled “Patron Portraits,” the exhibit is available for viewing in the second-floor gallery, where 22 black-and-white portraits are hung, and on the endcap frames throughout the fiction and nonfiction stacks, where 50 more photos have been placed.

Bunting-Hart said she set out to capture something in her subjects that most people wouldn’t notice at first glance.

“I see portraits as an art form that tells a person’s story,” Bunting-Hart said.

She said the stories appear in the subjects’ posture, body language and facial expressions.

“The library is 130 years old this year,” said Lori Hinderliter, executive director at the library, “so when Helen approached us with this project, we knew it was a rare opportunity to celebrate this anniversary by shining a light on one of the library’s greatest strengths: our amazing patrons.”

She said Bunting-Hart successfully captured the broad range of emotions displayed by people visiting the library.

“There is mirth, mischief, silliness, joy and so much more in these portraits,” Hinderliter said.

The exhibit will be available during regular library hours through September.