Jane Rittelmann of Butler entered this glass-etched serving tray in the “Strictly Functional” exhibit opening Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St. Custom designed and built furniture by her husband, Dick, and son, Bill, are also on display in the show.

A new exhibit, “Strictly Functional,” will open with a reception at 7 p.m. Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.

The winners will be announced at 8 p.m. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served.

The intimate show features about 35 unique pieces with a wide range of purposes.

“Strictly Functional” is designed to showcase art of any media that performs a function, and the show includes hand-built pottery and ceramic pieces, decorated objects, jewelry, fiber art, custom-designed furniture, handmade vases and glassware.

“There is an interesting collection of different media, from fine cabinetry and original-design furniture to a hilarious stoneware birdhouse entitled ‘Mmmm...Birdie!'” said Paul Scanlon, AABC president.

The idea for the show was about getting different types of art to display.

“The concept was an attempt to get more three-dimensional art entries in media such as ceramics, wood and others,” Scanlon said.

The Rittelmanns of Butler saw this purposeful exhibit as a family affair. Jane Rittelmann entered a glass-etched serving tray and her husband, Dick, and son, Bill, have custom-designed and built furniture also on display in the show.Many items are for sale and range from $60 to $1,000.Entries came from artists from Butler, Creekside, Glenshaw, Vandergrift, Ellwood City, Stoneboro, Grove City, Mercer, Sarver, Karns City, Slippery Rock and Campbell, Ohio.The “Strictly Functional” exhibit will remain on display through Nov. 18.Entry forms for future exhibits, including the annual Holiday Show & Sale, may be picked up at The Art Center or downloaded from the website www.aabcArtCenter.com.Entries for the Holiday Show are due Nov. 26. The exhibit opens Dec. 2 and runs through Dec. 31The Art of Horror VI continues through Nov. 11 in Underground Gallery at The Art Center.

<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT: </B>“Strictly Functional ” art exhibit<B>WHEN:</B> Reception 7 p.m. Friday; exhibit will continue through Nov. 18. Regular gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.<B>WHERE: </B>The Art Center 344 S. Main St.<B>ADMISSION: </B>Free<B>INFO: </B>724-283-6922 or www.aabcartcenter.com

This daybed/couch by Dick Rittelmann of Butler and a coffee table by his son, Bill, lend form to function for a place in the "Strictly Functional" exhibit opening Friday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.