By Joshua Robison / Jambar Contributor
For 107 years, The Butler Institute of American Art, commonly known as the Butler, has stood on Wick Avenue to share American art of various styles and time periods.
The Butler opened its doors for the first time Oct. 15, 1919, established by industrialist Joseph Butler Jr. as the first museum in the country dedicated solely to American art.
At the Butler, guests can see famous pieces such as “Snap the Whip” by painter Winslow Homer and “Lincoln the Railsplitter” by painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell, as well as many other timeless artworks.
Above the door at the main entrance, the latin words “pro bono publico” are chiseled into the marble, which means “for the public good.” Heather Seno, community engagement coordinator for the Butler and Youngstown State University alum, said those words represent what the museum stands for.
“Anyone is welcome to come here,” Seno said. “We’re open, and you don’t need a membership to come in, you don’t need to pay to get in, you can just come in and relax and take in some good artwork.”
Since then, The Butler has expanded many times, from the addition of the lower-level wings in 1931 to the acquisition of the former First Christian Church next door in 2003.
The Butler not only pays homage to American culture but to the Youngstown community. Seno said the Butler is culturally significant.
“[The Butler is] kind of a gem to the Youngstown community. I think it’s very impactful to have such a large-scale museum in our city,” Seno said.
Seno was appointed to the position in July and is part of a full museum overhaul. In addition to Seno, the Butler appointed Anastaia James as the new executive director earlier this year.
Seno said the Butler is making many additions, such as a new publication, renovations to the museum shop and a stronger focus on local creatives.
“We started a new publication … The Butler Magazine, which is different than our previous publication that we were putting out,” Seno said. “We are currently in the museum shop, which is getting an overhaul to focus on local and regional artists, authors, musicians — just kind of like the entire creative community.”
One of the largest demographics The Butler reaches out to is the YSU student body. The museum offers many services to students, such as free memberships, discounts in the gift shop and Looma Café, art classes and Music at Noon every Wednesday.
Seno said the Butler’s art classes teach various styles of art, such as photography, ceramics, painting and more.
“Our education department offers various classes. I know the one that I know the most about is photography classes,” Seno said. “[The Butler] always offer new selections of courses.”
The Butler is open 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday.