The Butler Institute of American Art

06/23/2026

✨Meet our Performer✨
 
This panel discussion explores the histories, stories, challenges, and achievements of American LGBTQ+ artists from the 18th century to the present day. Featuring artists, scholars, and museum professionals, the conversation examines the evolving role of LGBTQ+ voices in American art and their place within museums and cultural institutions.
 
🗓️ Thursday, June 25, 2026
•Reception & Collaborative Art Projects | 5:15 PM
•Performance by Connor Bezeredi | 5:30-6PM
•Panel Discussion | 6–8 PM
 
In addition to the panel discussion, guests are invited to participate in two collaborative art engagements celebrating identity, affirmation, and community. 🎨
 
Admission is free and open to the public.
 
Learn more 🔗 butlerart.com

06/23/2026

✨Meet our Panelists✨
 
This panel discussion explores the histories, stories, challenges, and achievements of American LGBTQ+ artists from the 18th century to the present day. Featuring artists, scholars, and museum professionals, the conversation examines the evolving role of LGBTQ+ voices in American art and their place within museums and cultural institutions.
 
🗓️ Thursday, June 25, 2026
•Reception & Collaborative Art Projects | 5:15 PM
•Performance by Connor Bezeredi | 5:30-6PM
•Panel Discussion | 6–8 PM
 
In addition to the panel discussion, guests are invited to participate in two collaborative art engagements celebrating identity, affirmation, and community. 🎨
 
Admission is free and open to the public.
 
Learn more 🔗 butlerart.com

06/19/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, we reflect on the significance of freedom, history, and cultural expression.
 
Visitors today can explore our African American exhibition, “A Spark of Genius,” as well as “Visual Expressions”, featuring works by artist and poet Danny Simmons. Through these exhibitions, we celebrate the voices, stories, and artistic contributions that enrich our shared cultural landscape.
 
We are open today and welcome you to join us 🏛️✨
 

06/18/2026

06/15/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Danny Simmons. The art world has lost a remarkable visionary, a dedicated philanthropist, and a truly kind soul. We are grateful to have shared time with Danny during the opening of his exhibition this past May and to have experienced firsthand his generosity, creativity, and passion for the arts.

Our thoughts are with Danny’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and work during this difficult time. 🕊️

We invite our community to join us in honoring Danny’s legacy by visiting the Butler to experience his artwork, currently on view in the Segall Gallery through June 28. His work stands as a lasting testament to his extraordinary artistic vision and enduring impact.

06/12/2026

The Butler Presents: American LGBTQ+ Artists: 18th Century to Present

📅 Thursday, June 25
Reception & Collaborative Art Activities: 5:15 PM
Panel Discussion: 6:00–8:00 PM

🌈 Join us for an evening of conversation, creativity, and community at The Butler Institute of American Art.

Hear from a distinguished panel of artists, educators, curators, and researchers as they explore the histories, challenges, achievements, and lasting impact of American LGBTQ+ artists across more than 250 years of our nation’s history. Continue the experience by viewing LGBTQ+ artwork from the Butler collection displayed throughout the museum during Pride Month.

Panelists: John Noga, Arnold Tunstall, Todd R. Urban, Heather Seno, and Ginger Williams. Moderated by Larry Jones, Interim Director.

Guests are also invited to participate in collaborative art projects, including creating Pride affirmation flags and contributing to a community rainbow mosaic mural celebrating identity, affirmation, and inclusion.

Enjoy light refreshments – free & open to the public.

More info visit 🔗 butlerart.com

06/10/2026

🎨 What a colorful evening in Downtown Youngstown! The Butler loved being part of First Fridays’ Chalk the Walk and watching the sidewalks along Phelps Street transform into vibrant works of art. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and helped bring creativity to the heart of our city. We loved seeing your artistic spirit on display!

Congrats to the 1st place winner—Jennifer Downie 🏆 .jennifer

06/09/2026

The Butler is thrilled to celebrate Danuneka Cargill, a Youngstown State University marketing major, who has been selected for the 2026 Zoldan Yampolsky Family Executive Fellows Program.

As the Development Fellow at the Butler, Danuneka will complete 225 hours of hands-on professional experience, working closely with senior leadership to support the museum’s mission and deepen community impact.

Her talent, drive, and passion for nonprofit work make her an incredible addition to the Butler staff. We can’t wait to see the creativity and energy she brings to the museum.

Join us in congratulating Danuneka on this exciting achievement! ✨

06/09/2026

🎥 Step inside Segall Gallery with WFMJ’s Inside the Gallery segment.

Chief Curator & Collection Manager Liz Hicks walks viewers through Danny Simmon’s exhibition and shares some insight into the artist and his work, a series called Strata.

For more than four decades, Danny Simmons has created powerful paintings, works on paper, and assemblages inspired by the spirit and visual language of Indigenous and African cultures. As the founder of Neo-African Abstract Expressionism, Simmons reclaims traditional African motifs through layered textures, dots, textiles, and tribal markings that speak to history, identity, and cultural memory.

This exhibition is on view through June 28th.

We're going Inside the Gallery for a look into Danny Simmons Visual Expressions, a style of painting that he calls Neo-African Abstract Expressionism.