The Butler Institute of American Art accepts submissions nationwide for its annual Midyear exhibition, but two Youngstown artists are among the award winners for its 73rd edition.
James Pernotto received one of the two Juror's Choice awards for ''S.A.L.T.: Germs, Steel,'' a multi-media work that incorporates photography and acrylic paint on wood. And William Danielson earned one of five honor mention slots for his diptych photo ''Le rue D'italie.''
Louis Zona, director of the Butler, described Pernotto piece as fascinating with unusual textures.
''I haven't seen Jim since he delivered the work, and I'm going to congratulate him when I see him,'' Zona said.
Zona also said Danielson's work was the best example of photography in this year's collection.
Their work is among 75 pieces by 62 artists selected by juror George Adams, a New York gallery owner and longtime friend of the Butler. This year's Midyear attracted more than 750 submissions by 283 artists representing 27 states and the District of Columbia.
Other local artists featured are Dennis W. Freet and Leon Snowe, both of Warren; Clare Murray Adams, Southington; Sean Butler, Canfield; and Mark Scheuring, Salem.
The other Juror's Choice award went to Margeaux Walter of Brooklyn, N.Y., for ''Alliance, ed 2/7.'' The photographic lenticulars are more than 6-foot square and the nine figures change position depending upon where the viewer stands.
''It's a fascinating piece,'' Zona said. ''It's a different kind of work'' than the Midyear normally attracts from an artist who never has been represented before.
Walter's piece is reflective of the quality of the digital works represented in the show, the director said. But the exhibition continues the Midyear tradition of featuring strong realist paintings.
The Phil Desind Award, presented to an outstanding representational work, goes to Cincinnati artist Carl Samson for his life-size nude ''Triumph of Truth.''
Diane Belfiglio of North Canton was selected for the Dianne B. Bernhard Art Spirit Award for her use of pastels on ''Potomac Patterns II.'' And Harold D. Zabady of Camp Hill, Pa., won the Allied Artists of America Award for his oil painting ''American Classic.''
The awards will be presented at an opening reception from from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Butler, 524 Wick Ave., Youngs-town. The 73rd National Midyear will be on display through Aug. 23. For more information, call 330-743-1107.