Texas Bluesmen by Eric von Schmidt, oil on canvas, 1995. Long-term loan to Westport Public Art Collections, courtesy of the artist’s family.
MoCA\CT and WestPAC Present Art, Jazz + the Blues, an Exhibition Celebrating the Interplay Between the Visual and Performing Arts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Westport, CT) January 6, 2026 — The Museum of Contemporary Art \ Connecticut (MoCA\CT) and the Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC) will present Art, Jazz + the Blues from February 26 through June 7, 2026—an exhibition highlighting the dynamic interplay between visual art and African American musical traditions. Curated by Anne Boberski, Ive Covaci, and the WestPAC Committee, the exhibition centers on Giants of the Blues, Eric von Schmidt’s series of group portraits of blues and folk legends. These are presented alongside works by internationally recognized and local modern and contemporary artists from the Westport Public Art Collections and regional loans, including works by Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold, Jack Whitten, and others.
Exhibition Overview
This exhibition explores the intersections between visual art, jazz, and the blues, musical forms deeply rooted in African American traditions. The monumental group portraits in Giants of the Blues present a veritable history of early American blues, focusing on the musicians who influenced artist Eric von Schmidt’s development into a key figure in the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s.
Complementing von Schmidt’s paintings are over fifty additional works that depict musicians, are inspired by musical themes, or explore the connections between musical and visual forms. The works in the exhibition are drawn from the rich holdings of the Westport Public Art Collections and also include important loans from ACA Galleries, The Brubeck Collection at Wilton Library, Fairfield University Art Museum, Housatonic Museum of Art, contributing artists, and private collectors.
The show is brought to life through a dynamic schedule of live performances, artist talks, film screenings, and hands-on workshops for all ages. Curated playlists tied to key works deepen the experience. Echoing jazz great Charlie Parker’s words, the exhibition invites visitors to “hear with your eyes and see with your ears.”
Westport, Connecticut, has long nurtured a vibrant community of artists and musicians. Since the early twentieth century, illustrators, painters, performers, and composers have made their home here, forging a legacy of artistic collaboration that continues today. The upcoming exhibition highlights this heritage, featuring 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.
Building on this creative history, MoCA\CT is the ideal setting for Art, Jazz + the Blues. More than a gallery, the Museum serves as a dynamic creative hub where visual art and music intersect, activating exhibitions through performances and public programs that invite audiences to experience art across mediums — honoring Westport’s cultural legacy while looking toward its evolving, creative future.
The exhibition also features works by Pierre Alechinsky, Vincent Baldassano, Robert Baxter, Ilya Bolotowsky, Ed Colker, Arnold Copeland, Michael Cummings, Charles Michael Daugherty, Lisa Daugherty, Gene Davis, Paul Decker, Seymour Fogel, Elsie Freund, Sidney Gordin, Richard Hunt, Roberto Lugo, Stanton Macdonald-Wright, Tudor Maier, Suzanne McCullough, László Moholy-Nagy, Robert Natkin, John Nichols,
- R. Penck, Walter Quirt, Paul Rand, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Risko, Alex Ross, Arnold Roth, and Frank Smith.
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.
MoCA\CT is grateful to the generous support of Art, Jazz + the Blues sponsors Conlon Amendola, Attorneys at Law + Design Within Reach + The Ellis Family + Bill and Jodi Felton + Hofstetter Baron Group + Honda of Westport + KMS Team at COMPASS + Cynthia and Carl Muller + Joyce Pauker + Russell Insurance + Sabina and Harlan Stone + The Joyce Thompson Art Fund
MoCA\CT is grateful to the generous support of Art, Jazz + the Blues partners Imageworks + Westport Journal + Dan Woog / 06880 + WPKN + WSHU
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sandra Nygaard
Director of Marketing and Communications, MoCA\CT
sandra@mocact.org
(office) 203.222.7070, (cell) 718.928.4212
Art, Jazz + the Blues: Westport Public Art Collections
February 26 – June 7, 2026
MoCA\CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport CT
Curated by Anne Boberski, Ive Covaci, and the WestPAC Committee
