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Americana and Folk Art

Jun 14, 2023 | Collection

Collections

Americana and Folk Art

About The Art

The Butler prides itself on the far-ranging nature of its permanent collection, from folk art to contemporary installations involving the latest technology. Galleries showcase antique carousel animals, a unique one-of-a-kind 1”-1’ scale miniature house, and model ships, along with other prime examples of Americana.

LOCATION: Amy Post Gallery, Buchanan Gallery, Walkway Gallery, Butler North

Selected Works

Wooden carvings and carousel animals in Americana and Folk Art Collection
Wide angle shot of the Americana gallery showing several art pieces and sculptures. In the center on a blue platform is a sculpture showing a topless woman with a heavy necklace, behind her is a wood eagle and to the left on the wall is a ships steering wheel made of wood. Left of the photo against the wall is a glass display case showing a model ship

Americana & Folk Art Gallery

Glass shelves display an array of colorful glass bells

Bell Case

Green pedestals displaying various hand carved and painted wooden bird sculptures.

Wooden Bird Scuptures

Cliff McGinnis

Glass shelves containing multiple painted wooden decoy ducks in muted colors

Duck Decoy Case

Private Collection

three decorative frames, on the left an indigenous american on horseback, in the middle a pair of hunting dogs with trees in background, the right a ballerina in dress dancing with a high back kick

Parker Rounding board panels

Unknown

a wooden sign with a carved horse advertizing a toymaking business

Half Horse Tradesign

Savage & Company (England)

Miniature ship sculpture, no sails unfurled, many ropes along ships, Features detailed rigging, sails, cannons, and hull structure, celebrating American maritime history.

U.S. Frigate Constitution (Old Iron Sides)

George E. Woodside

Sculpture of lion's head on decorative dark wood plaque

Lion Head Carving

Unknown

An ornate mirror framed by two carved mermaids on either side. The mermaids face inward, their tails curling along the frame as they hold upright pillars flanking the glass. At the top, a large decorative carving of a long, blonde-haired woman’s face looks straight ahead, completing the mythic, oceanic design.

Mirror

Unknown

Wood carving of a pig wearing a saddle. It’s a combination of a pig and a horse that is on a pole. A merry-go-round creation. The pig itself has weather pink skin, and it has black hooves shown to be in a static galloping pose.

Bayol (French) second row pig

Unknown

photo of sculpture of small child torso looking to the left

Pair of Large Cherubs & Cherub Head with Carved Scrollwork

Unknown

Sculpture of a bear holding a ring looking upward with a base for umbrellas

Black Forest Bear Umbrella Stand

Unknown

a smiling sculpture of a man's face looking to the right while pointing to the left, mouth open, eyes open wide

Male Head; Architectural Support from a Base or Pillar (Mate to #24)

Unknown

A miniature of a large house, pillars on porch, two large french windows, balcony on roof, many windows along second floor

Marie Peterson’s Miniature House

Ben Brown

a circular saw blade with a winter scene painted, rolling snow covered hills, children sleighing, small farmhouses in the distance

A Long Winter

Jacob Kass

several farm impliments with landscapes painted on the body of them, a handsaw with a large building on a stree corner, a pull saw with a winter landscape, a sickle with green fields

Painted Saws

Jacob Kass

This Glass encased diorama depicts a miniature model whaling ship navigating turbulent waters, with a whale's tail emerging from the ocean. The intricate woodwork and sculpting of the setting in the base of this work, captures the perilous pursuit of the sperm whale.

The Wanderer (Taking a Sperm Wale)

George E. Woodside

Sculpture of woman wearing many loose robes and a dress, wearing loose cloth hat, arms open and looking slightly to the right

Fancy Maiden

Unknown

large sailing ship with many sails, American flag at back of ship, numerous other ships in distance of background, blue overcast skiy

Flying Childers

Hingqua

large sailing ship, many sails, pointing to the right, choppy lightly choppy seass, large clouds, American flag at back of ship

Jacob Jones

Unknown

photo of miniature dock sculpture, six sailing ships, one paddle boat, 6 brick buildings, one ship sailing off to the right, small crates and barrels along pier

South St., New York City, 1852

George E. Woodside

Multiple dolls wearing colorful dresses and hats. The wall in the background reads "Americana As Theme: A century of Fashion by Pete Ballard"

A Century of Fashion

Pete Ballard

photo of horse sculpture, has saddle and bridle, mouth open, weathered material, white horse in background, all against solid yellow background

Allan Herschell outside row jumper

Unknown

A wood carved piece showing the head of a small child. The Carved sculpture has wings which gives the viewer the impression that it could be an angel.

Carving from Amusement Ride

Unknown

*Please note that the artworks in the permanent collection on display may undergo periodic changes and rotations. We suggest that if you’re traveling to the museum to view a specific piece of artwork, call us ahead of time to confirm it is currently on display (330-743-1107 ext. 1108)