AABC's spring show has variety
The Associated Artists of Butler County's Annual Spring Show and Sale opens with even more fine art than usual Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.
"The exhibit features an impressive variety of artwork in all media types; admission is free to the public, and most of the artwork is for sale," said Paul Scanlon, AABC president.
Prices for the artwork range from $50 to $600.
Scanlon said that "this exhibit includes both the traditional art the spring show has become known for, plus some fresh new work by newer AABC members such as fine art photographer Daniel Stainer of Slippery Rock and Janice Nearhoof of Saxonburg."
Stainer's photography entries feature great composition, a high degree of technical proficiency and a variety of interesting subjects — from bold and beautiful color landscapes to black and white nature scenes.
"I was the geeky kid with the Pentax K1000 camera who took pictures for the yearbook and newspaper. (I) had my own darkroom back then," said Stainer, who has had no formal training.
"I am honored to be sharing my photography alongside so many other talented artists within the Butler County and surrounding region," Stainer said.
"In an age where mediums like photography are moving to a virtual world, and quality mass-produced art can be found just about anywhere, it is a real treat to be able to enjoy such a rich collection of personal art painstakingly created from hand by members of our very own community.
"With exhibitions like the spring show, AABC is one of the few remaining artistic outlets that continue to pay tribute to these vanishing yet palpable art forms," he said.
Janice Nearhoof will be featuring her craft work for the first time at the AABC show. She will exhibit a pair of decorative Egyptian cotton pillows titled "Marriage of Water and Stone," which feature the use of minerals, pewter and abalone design elements set against colorful fabric patterns.
"In today's world, so much of what we find around us comes to us in an 'instant mode.' The work presented in this show demonstrates the diversity and emotional power of original work — work that takes time and thought to produce," said Nearhoof of Butler Township.
"It's wonderful to have a group like AABC supporting the local artists," she added.
The show will continue through June 4.
Continuing in The Art Center's Underground Gallery is "Photography Noir" that runs through May 13. Winners were "Casablanca" by Joseph Martin, first; "Anticipation" by Bill Homan, second, and "Guided by Light 1" by Kyle Nevel, third.
AABC is also accepting entries for upcoming exhibits.
Entries for the Underground Gallery "Art of Sound" exhibit will be accepted until 4 p.m. May 14. The show's theme is art inspired by music or sounds. Installation art is encouraged, as are other creative forms. The Art of Sound will run from May 28 to June 24.
Entries for the "Wood & Metal Exhibit" will be accepted until 4 p.m. June 5. The theme is art inspired by anything made of wood or metal, or paintings and photographs of wood and metal objects or featuring wood grains, textures or wood and metal finishes. The exhibit runs June 18 through July 16.
<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT: </B>Annual Spring Show and Sale<B>WHEN: </B>Open to the public at 7 p.m. Friday. Exhibit continues through June 4. Gallery 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 visit: TheArtCenterButlerPA.org
