YOUNGSTOWN – A Youngstown art museum has opened one of the nation’s longest-running juried exhibitions of contemporary American art to the public, running from July 12 until August 30.
The Butler Institute of American Art held a reception to celebrate the opening of the 89th National Midyear Exhibition, a showcase that gives artists across the country the chance to have their art viewed throughout the United States.
Including 84 artworks by 79 artists, the showcase features art from 15 states. Each piece was selected through a “competitive jury process.”
“The Butler is honored to welcome Dr. Louis A. Zona, Director Emeritus of the Butler Institute of American Art, as juror for the 89th National Midyear Exhibition. Dr. Zona served for more than four decades as Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Butler, guiding the museum’s growth and helping shape its national reputation as a leader in American art,” the museum stated in a news release.
The Butler has selected two regional artists, Nancy Hawkins of Columbiana and Christopher Leeper of Canfield, to exhibit some of their work alongside those selected from the national pool.
The featured works consist of paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking and mixed media.
Upon completion of the exhibit in August, one artist will be awarded the Midyear Prize, securing a future solo exhibit at the museum. The recipient will also receive $5,000 to cover expenses associated with the 2027 solo exhibition.
The Butler will award a total of $10,000 in prizes.
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