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First Posted: 9/12/2012

Artist Tim Butler, 45, enjoys taking little moments he records with his camera and transforming them in paint – watercolors.

“Seeing as an artist is really the best gift. And I have imagined a lot more paintings than I have time to paint,” said Butler of Clarks Summit, who will be the featured artist at the upcoming Clarks Summit Second Friday Art Walk, hosted by the Arts Council of the Abingtons Sept. 14.

Butler will exhibit eight to 10 of his paintings at Duffy’s Coffee House, 312 S. State Street.

Duffy’s owner, Mari Walker said of Butler’s art, “His landscapes are places that are familiar to me, as they are local; however he has the ability to help me remember through his perspective that there is beauty all around me.”

According to Butler, most of the paintings eventgoers will see in the show were made from scenes within a mile from his home in Newton Township.

“I often look at a subject over and over again and see what ideas stick before I sit down and paint them. They could be from a scene that I see while driving home, such as Forest Acres Corn and Pines. That came from a photo I stopped and made on my way home from some errands two weeks ago. I had been looking at those pines and corn field all summer and it came together in the painting.”

Butler, a photographer, photojournalist and a photography teacher for the Abington Heights School District, found interest in painting in the past, but picked up a brush approximately five years ago at a workshop “on a whim.” He has studied with artists Bill Teitsworth and Renee Emanuel and credited them with helping develop his technique and vision.

“I feel like I have supplemented my work in photography in my painting- but right now the painting is my focus- it was a transition that took place over several years and I am enjoying this path. I still feel like I am building on years of thought and seeing as a photographer and it is nice to see that transition into another medium…,” said Butler. The Newton Township resident said he is inspired by painters such as Andrew Wyeth and photographer Keith Carter, who “manage or managed (in Wyeth’s case) to find beauty in their own backyards.”

In addition to Butler’s exhibit at Duffy’s Coffee House, Second Friday September art venues in Clarks Summit will include Angels Galeria, Lawler’s Affordable Elegance, Jaya Yoga, Sonia’s Contemporary Clothing, Paulette’s Pretty Purses, Beta Bread, Edward Jones, Cloe & Company, Everything Natural, Sole to Soul, Rave’s and Mama Mia’s. Musical entertainment is also planned at Rave’s, Duffy’s and Everything Natural.

According to organizer Charles Charlesworth, merchants in downtown Clarks Summit will begin to remain open on Thursday evenings until 8 p.m., beginning with second Friday weekend. An “After Party” will be held in the parking lot between Duffy’s and Sonia’s Contemporary Clothing, beginning at 8:30 p.m. This month’s featured Pennsylvania winery is Nimble Hill Winery.

For more information, contact Charlesworth at [email protected].


Second Friday Art Walk venues

Angels Galeria

Lawler’s Affordable Elegance

Duffy’s *

Jaya Yoga

Sonia’s Contemporary Clothing

Paulette’s Pretty Purses

Beta Bread

Edward Jones

Cloe and Company

Everything Natural *

Sole to Soul

Mama Mia’s

Rave’s *

* Denotes a venue that will host live music