MoCA\CT and WestPAC To Present 'Art, Jazz + the Blues' Exhibition In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — The Museum of Contemporary Art \ Connecticut and the Westport Public Art Collections will present a new exhibition titled "Art, Jazz + the Blues," which will run from Feb. 26 through June 7. It aims to highlight the interplay between visual art and African American musical traditions.

The exhibition is curated by Anne Boberski, Ive Covaci, and the WestPAC Committee. A central feature of the exhibition is Eric von Schmidt’s “Giants of the Blues” series, which comprises group portraits of blues and folk legends. These works will be displayed alongside pieces by modern and contemporary artists from the Westport Public Art Collections and regional loans.

Artists whose works will be featured include Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold, and Jack Whitten. The exhibition will also include pieces by local and longtime Westport residents such as Ann Chernow, Eric Chiang, James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, Barbara Rothenberg, Larry Silver, and Tracy Sugarman. This highlights Westport's history of artistic collaboration.

The exhibition explores the intersections between visual art, jazz, and the blues, which are musical forms rooted in African American traditions. Over fifty additional works will complement von Schmidt’s paintings. These works depict musicians, are inspired by musical themes, or explore connections between musical and visual forms.

Works for the exhibition are drawn from the Westport Public Art Collections. Important loans are also coming from ACA Galleries, The Brubeck Collection at Wilton Library, Fairfield University Art Museum, Housatonic Museum of Art, contributing artists, and private collectors. MoCA\CT is noted as an ideal setting for the exhibit, serving as a dynamic creative hub.

The show will feature a dynamic schedule of live performances, artist talks, film screenings, and hands-on workshops for all ages. Curated playlists tied to key works are also planned to deepen the visitor experience. The exhibition encourages visitors to “hear with your eyes and see with your ears,” echoing Charlie Parker's words.

Exhibition-Related Programs + Events

Feb 26 – Opening Reception, 6–8pm, with live music by Mark Naftalin. (Members’ Preview at 5pm)

Feb 28 – Film Screening: Leadbelly (1976), directed by Gordon Parks, 4–7pm, followed by a Q&A with Prof. Sheila Curran Bernard, author of Bring Judgment Day: Reclaiming Lead Belly's Truths from Jim Crow's Lies (2024)

Mar 5 – Curators’ Talk with Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci, 6–7pm, “Blues Off the Wall” with Tim Cole on guitar, 5:30–6pm

Mar 8 – MoCA\CT Presents: Etienne Charles Quartet, 4-6pm

Mar 26 – Community Conversation: Jazz Inspirations, 6–7pm, featuring a panel of musicians. “Blues Off the Wall” with Tim Cole, 5:30–6pm

Apr 9 + 10 – Visualizing Sound Art Workshop: Jazz, Blues & Abstract Expression, 12–2pm Apr 12 – MoCA\CT Presents: Brubeck Brothers Quartet, 4-6pm

About WestPAC
The Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC) include nearly 2,000 works in diverse media — from paintings and prints to photographs, sculpture, and murals — by major American and international artists. Most were donated by artists, heirs, and collectors and are displayed throughout Westport’s municipal buildings and public schools. The town-appointed WestPAC Committee cares for the collection and uses original art to inspire and educate students, residents, and the broader community.

About WAAC
The Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC) vision is to enhance the visibility of the arts in our community, serve as a bridge between the arts and education, encourage cohesiveness among artists, arts and cultural organizations and the general public, strengthen the role the arts play in the lives of Westport residents, preserve Westport’s artistic heritage, and perpetuate Westport as a thriving center for artistic and cultural activity. WestPAC is a subcommittee of WAAC. Learn more on westportarts.org.

About MoCA\CT
The Museum of Contemporary Art \ Connecticut (MoCA\CT) presents thought-provoking exhibitions, performances, and education programs that enrich the cultural landscape of Connecticut and beyond. Through the visual arts, community engagement, and multidisciplinary initiatives, MoCA\CT connects diverse audiences with the art and ideas of our time.