The 76th National Midyear exhibition opens Sunday at the Butler Institute of American Art.
The show features 90 works by 89 artists representing 21 states and the District of Columbia. They were chosen from 745 entries by 285 artists from 31 states.
The juror for this year's Midyear is Florida painter Gregory Strachov. In his juror's statement, Strachov wrote, "My aim is not to define the meaning of art or to judge what is good or what is bad art. My aim is to shed light on art ... to reveal the shining examples of those whose commitment to their skills and connection to their own soul produced extraordinary visual statements.''
In addition to the 90 works selected inclusion, Strachov also selected entries for best in show, second and third place and eight honorable mentions. Also presented annually are the Allied Artists of America Award, the Phil Desind Award for representational work and the Dianne B. Bernhard Art Spirit Purchase Award.
The winners will be announced at a reception on Sunday.
Artists from Trumbull and Mahoning counties whose work was accepted for the Midyear include: Gary Taneri, Warren; Carolyn Dixon Hrusovsky, Cortland; Tazim Jaffer, Girard; Ann Ryser, Burghill; Michael Ahren and Allan Charles Orr, both of Youngstown; Christopher Leeper, Canfield; and Dave Mauerman, Boardman.
This show is sponsored in part by PNC Bank, Dianne B. Bernhard / The Art Spirit Foundation, and the Allied Artists of America.
The 76th National Midyear runs Sunday through Aug. 19 at the Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown. An opening reception is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, but reservations are requested by calling 330-743-1107, Ext. 210.