Butler Reid is a master of charcoals, pastels, pen and ink. He captures the spirit of his subjects through their eyes, and then transfers to canvas the grace and beauty of what he has seen through his unique vision. As an extremely talented portrait, figurative and landscape artist, Reid's work has embodied the souls of many celebrities and politicians such as Frank Sinatra, Halle Berry, Bob Hope, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Beyonce, Charles Oakley, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and many private commissions as well.

One of his many acclaimed works - "Peace, Love and Unity" encompassed the essence and spirit of slain rapper, Tupac Shakur. This work became a best seller as a print at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The USO used Reid's portrait of Bob Hope to name the USO lounge at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and it hangs there today in memory of one of Cleveland's own.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, Reid attended Cuyahoga Community College and the Cleveland Institute of Art. In 1968, Reid was drafted by the United States Army and served his country for two years, part of which he spent in Vietnam. After returning home, Reid attended the Cooper School of Art, while working in private law enforcement. Family demands required Reid to put his talents on hold, but his love of art endured. A deeply spiritual person, Reid is quick to point out that his "hands are guided by God." In 1987, he returned to his calling.