The Associated Artists of Butler County will open “The Patriot Show” with a reception at 7 p.m. Friday

“The intimate show features about 20 pieces,” said Paul Scanlon, AABC president.

The works in pastels, oil, photography, acrylics and pencil drawings feature subjects revolving around patriotism.

Clair “Vimala” Anderson's “Flag” is a backlit photograph of the Stars and Stripes.

“I love my flag, Old Glory, because of its ceremonial beauty and grace,” Anderson said of her entry. It is one in a flag series that she photographed in 2007.

The Patriot Show is the first digital show for the AABC. “All the artists had to do was e-mail us a digital image and we took it from there — printing, mounting and hanging the entries,” said Scanlon.

The prices range from $300 to $700 for the works on display.

“This is a small but interesting exhibit, with a solo exhibit by Andreas Grotewold also on display. The entries range from traditional portraits of famous Americans to a few that are quite humorous,” said Scanlon of the exhibit in the Members Gallery.

Also on display is the AABC Bantam Jeep created by Vandergrift artist Keith Justham.

Justham, a graphic designer, is both self taught and professionally trained from the Art Institute. He gladly took the initiative to give back to the AABC.

“The AABC provides art and art training to the community while other communities are cutting art-related budgets. I'm just providing help where I can,” said Justham about his Jeep art contribution.

The regional Patriot Show exhibit was judged by Mark Kay Richardson. There are both juried and unjuried components to the Patriot Show display.

n Also at The Art Center, the Underground Gallery's “Science Fiction Show” is accepting works of art inspired by science fiction and fantasy; entries are due by Friday, with the exhibit opening July 8.

n The “Man & Machine” art exhibit at The Art Center will open Aug. 12, coinciding with the first night of the Bantam Jeep Festival, when more than 800 Jeeps will be on display on Main Street. Deadline for “Man & Machine” entries is Aug. 6.

Samples of member Terry Hagen's private art collection will also be on display in the Members Gallery during this exhibit.

<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT:</B> The Patriot Exhibit<B>WHEN: </B>Opening reception at 7 p.m. Friday. Exhibit continues through July 30. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.<B>WHERE:</B> The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<B>INFO: </B>724-283-6922 or www.aabcartcenter.com