Insight Sunday With Michael A. Butler

Michael A. Butler is The Church’s Insight Sunday artist for April. A painter, historian and humanitarian, Butler will speak on Sunday, April 30, at 10:30 a.m. about his work and the rich history of the region, including his deep personal connections to Sag Harbor and his longstanding community involvement. His ancestral ties to the village date from the 1920s and he was a consistent vacationer here during his adolescence. He has also served on the board of the Eastville Community Historical Society for 20 years.

Butler’s work depicts the shimmering glory of the world — a quiet beauty that too many rush past. Referencing religion, legend and myth, his compositions are precise and colorful. The region of the East End is a central theme: its landscapes, light, history, industries, flora and fauna as well as the lives of its inhabitants both contemporary and historic, including whalers, factory workers, village folk, farmers, and Indigenous and enslaved peoples. Don’t let their compact size and meticulous facture fool you: Butler’s paintings punch well above their weight.

A self-taught artist, the imagined realities shown in Butler’s work draw upon the magical, dream-like state that exists within and around us. Sources of inspiration for his pictorial stories are derived from mythology, biblical/religious references, and, more recently, the forgotten history of the East End’s Indigenous and enslaved population. His preferred medium is acrylic on canvas, although at times he incorporates various other media. He prefers that his work be described as “narrative folk” or “intuitive.”

Insight Sundays, held the last Sunday of each month at The Church, provide individual artists with the opportunity to talk in depth about their processes, techniques and concepts in the presence of their work. The event foregrounds the maker’s unique point of view and allows the audience to see through the artist’s eyes. It is a monthly program open to the public and free to members. Stop by prior to Insight Sunday to view Butler’s work, which is on display April 5 to April 30. The Church’s open hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor. Insight Sunday is $10 (free for members). For more information, visit thechurchsagharbor.org.