Steeples and Stacks honoring arts and industry
Butler’s cultural history and growth will be celebrated July 10 and 11 at the first ever Steeples and Stacks Heritage Weekend. Local performers, artists, musicians and more will populate downtown for the occasion.
Steeples and Stacks Heritage Weekend is a part of America250 celebrations in Butler County. Focusing on the arts and creativity in Butler, the weekend features historical tours, art shows, live performances and demonstrations.
“All of the various art organizations and cultural organizations came together to plan, you know, what I think will be a spectacular educational event, with lots of opportunities to participate in so many different activities,” said Leslie Osche, Butler County Commissioner chairwoman and active Rotarian.
The weekend is the first big event for the Butler Cultural District since it was formed in 2022 by the Butler PM Rotary Club. The mission of the Rotary, Osche said, is to foster local economies, educate the community and build peace.
“So this is kind of a way to bring everyone at this, you know, somewhat divided (time) … an opportunity to come together, to be reminded of those who came before us and how they were really part of a melting pot,” Osche said.
A photo by local photographer Ben Hughes inspired the name of the event. The panoramic photo was originally taken to be submitted to a banner competition, but wasn’t entered because it was horizontal rather than vertical.
“We said, ‘Oh man, what a beautiful picture,’ and the first thing that you really see are the number of steeples and stacks, which was indicative of, really, the heritage of Butler,” Osche said.
Hughes’ photo features a skyline of church spires and smokestacks towering over the town, displaying the diverse lives that make up Butler. From producing materials to building with them, industry has made a home in the town.
“When you think of all the people who came to this area from Europe and other countries to work in the factories, you know, and we are such a hub of manufacturing here,” said Osche.
Experiencing the architecture of Butler through tours and exhibits honors those who built the town. One tour offered, led by local historian Bill May, will tell the stories of historic mansions around town. Tickets cost $20.
Demonstrations of the arts tell the history in an immersive way, supporting the artists of today. A free glass blowing demonstration by Rich Selfridge, an artist from Warren, Pennsylvania, will take place July 11 among other demonstrations over the weekend.
“It became kind of an opportunity during this celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country, became an opportunity to really use art to be able to tell that story,” Osche said.
An exclusive dinner will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in front of the Butler City building July 10. Tickets are limited to 250 and are $75 per person. Local food and drink will be available along with live music by local pianist Vince Tavolario.
Learn more at www.butlerculturaldistrict.org/steeples-and-stacks.
