The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown opened its 86th Area Artists Annual on January 5, a juried exhibition showcasing original works by artists living within 75 miles of the museum. This year’s juror, attorney and artist Nils Johnson Jr., selected 100 works by 91 artists from 389 submissions. The exhibition runs through February 15.

Gwen Waight of Peninsula received the top Creative Visionary Award for “Women’s Work,” a found-object assemblage using a wooden ironing board and other everyday objects to examine stereotypical gender roles. “I want it to start a conversation,” Waight said. The Director’s Choice Award went to Will Duck of Youngstown for “Youngstown Champions,” an acrylic painting honoring local boxers inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Other award winners included Brant Metzler for Mastery of Medium (mixed media), Steve Chaszeyka for Expressive Storytelling (acrylic), and Laurie Musser for Visual Distinction (drawing). Period awards honoring donors went to James Jones, Janet Dodrill, and Benjamin Toomey. Ten additional works received honorable mention.

Butler Executive Director Louis Zona called the exhibition a demonstration of the region’s artistic depth. “Local and regional artists should never be underestimated,” he said. The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Butler Institute, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown.

Source: The Vindicator