Paul Scanlon, president of the Associated Artists of Butler County, shows off some paintings in the Invitational Show currently on display at the AABC Art Center.

Butler County is filled with a variety of people doing interesting things. this weekly feature offers snapshots of some of them by asking them five questions. The latest installment appears below.

Paul Scanlon has been president of the Associated Artists of Butler County for four years.

The 200-member group established the AABC Art Center at 344 S. Main St., the site of a former furniture store, in 1990. Scanlon said the center is currently hosting its Invitational Show, an event featuring 16 nationally and internationally known artists who work mostly in watercolor and oil. The show continues until the end of the month.

QUESTION: How vital is the art community in Butler County? ANSWER: I think it is very important. Number one, we want to become an attraction for the downtown and improve foot traffic for the businesses. Number two, I think the kids in Butler need a drug-free environment, an alternative to the drug scene. We actually have some low-cost art programs for kids, and we are going to have some free art programs for kids coming up.

QUESTION: How do you see the group's mission?ANSWER: Our official mission statement is to encourage, foster and promote the arts in Butler County. Studies have shown that involvement in the arts bolsters kids' self-confidence and translates into better academic performance.

QUESTION: What can the community/county do to foster the arts?ANSWER

: I think we actually get a lot of cooperation from the Chamber of Commerce who helps us promote things, and the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau. They've actually this year created a brochure for the arts community which promotes us. I would say just continue what they've been doing.

QUESTION: What are some of the upcoming exhibits?ANSWER: In early March, we have the Green Show opening. The artwork can be primarily green in color or everything involved in it can be found objects or recycled matter. Anything that involves the environment. That's always a fun show and creative.And then the next show, to me the most fun show of all, is the Butler County High School Show. I believe that opens March 30. Last year we had almost 400 pieces of art. We had a lot of people and families show up. That's always a good show and a very creative one, too.In the very beginning of May is our Spring Show, which has been going on for 78 years. The group began in 1934 with a spring show in the Butler Library.

QUESTION: What do you say to those that may dismiss art as unnecessary or frivolous?ANSWER: I don't think it's frivolous because it does help younger poeple's self-confidence, and I think if you look at studies in urban areas, they'll show that a lively arts community is beneficial to the downtown area economically.