The Art Center ready for spring show, sale
The 75th Annual Spring Show and Sale at The Art Center opens on Friday with a reception to celebrate the many different expressions of art.
The show traditionally features the best of both member and guest artists from around the area. Works have been submitted in a variety of forms, from photographs and jewelry to sculpture and mixed media, plus a variety of painting mediums. Much of the work is available for sale.
Butler artist and art educator Aryl Bashline will judge the show, which boasts a $250 Best of Show cash award in memory of the late Mary Hulton Phillips. Ribbons will be awarded for the first, second and third place winners in each category.
Mrs. Dorothy Hansen will also be displaying "The Art of Albert Karl Hansen," a memorial exhibit, in the Members' Gallery concurrent with the annual spring show. The exhibit demonstrates her late husband's versatility in working with a variety of media types, including vivid watercolor landscapes, pastel and pencil portraits, and intricate wooden sculptures depicting local scenes.
Al Hansen was born in Woonesocket, S.D., on a farm where he lived with his parents, two brothers and six sisters. When Hansen was 7 years old, his father found a job in Pittsburgh and moved the family.
"Early on, Al had a love for painting and drawing and spent all his spare time exercising his creativity," explained his wife Dorothy.
"He especially loved doing portraits. Painting was his passion. After graduating high school he attended some art classes, but Al was mainly self-taught. He read and studied many art books to enhance his abilities and expand his horizons," she added.
He served two years in the Army during the Korean War and worked with sheet metal for most of his adult life.
"Al always wanted a career in art, but out of necessity to support his family, he worked at sheet and metal," his wife said.
"His art abilities enhanced his work skills at bending heavy gauged metals," she said.
The Hansens moved to Butler in 1996 after Al's retirement. This collection is not for sale.
"The Green Show" currently on display will remain so in the Mezzanine Art Gallery during the spring show opening.
This exhibit features an eclectic mix of art promoting the value of environmental responsibility. It includes oil paintings, watercolors, fabric art and sculptures made from found objects, such as Stevo Sadvary's "Gatorade Parade," a mirage of a myriad of recycled bottle caps, and the Best of Show winner "Bike Frame Coat Rack," aptly titled by Dave Krack.
The opening reception for the spring show and sale and for the Albert Hansen memorial exhibit in the Members Gallery will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Admission to the reception is free.
On Saturday, an evening of "Jazz, Blues, and BBQ" featuring jazz musician Harold Betters is planned. Seating is limited, and reservations may be made by calling 724-283-6922. Doors will open at 7 p.m. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Barbecue dinners will be available before the show.
Concert tickets are $10 each; dinners are $10 each or two for $15.
Call The Art Center at 724-283-6922 for more information.
<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT: </B>Annual Spring Show and Sale<B>WHEN: </B>Opening with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. The exhibit continues through June 5. A concert featuring the music of Harold Betters will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday. Regular gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays.<B>WHERE: </B>The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<B>INFORMATION: </B>724-283-6922 or www.butlerartcenter.net<B>ADMISSION: </B>The exhibit is free; tickets for the concert are $10 each; barbecue dinners will be available for $10 each or two for $15.
