THE BLUES & JAZZ EXPERIENCE Original paintings by Ernie

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  Music and all Art is an essential part of the "human experience." A basic understanding and appreciation of Music (and Art) 
can only serve to broaden ones character and deepen the connection with those around us. (A Passion for Jazz, 2007)

      

A Passion for Art --The Blues & Jazz Experience, is presented by Artistic Voices Salon and features the original art of 
Earnest "Ernie "Benton. The project is a visual experience to further the knowledge, enjoyment and preservation of Blues and Jazz.
The works in the exhibit represents the artists' passion for Blues and Jazz, and is designed to make a personal statement
for music and art education, and the preservation and support of Blues and Jazz music
The exhibition  features paintings expressing the Ernie's vision of the Blues and Jazz experiences 
with an emphasis on movement, textures, colors and the visual depiction of the musicians that create the music and the 
sounds that embrace the rhythms of Blues and Jazz.  The project is a dynamic creation incorporating music and art in a 
cohesive presentation that immortalizes, those significant contributors to these music genres. It is intended to pay homage 
to the music that  influences and imprints the story of a people, a nation and the  world indelibly on the annals of music history.

The Art

Ernie has produced over 20 acrylic paintings that can be exhibited in an integrated fashion revealing the 
contrasts and similarities of the artists styles and approaches in composition, perception, perspective and structure. 
Each painting has an artists statement that elaborates the inspiration and source of the work. This is 
intended to initiate dialog and interest that will broaden the viewers knowledge of the subject matter. 

Educational Enrichment

Music and Art are essential to the human experience.  A basic understanding and appreciation of Music serves to broaden 
character and deepen the connections with those in our social circles (A Passion for Jazz!™ 2007). Tighter budgets are 
forcing public schools to cut back, and music and art are one of the hardest hit areas.  This exhibit is an opportunity to inform, 
education and ignite the interest of students and music and art lovers.

Preservation

By creating paintings that depict the sound and flavor of Blues and Jazz, Ernie hopes that in some small way, to make a
contribution to the preservation of the unique offerings of these music genres. This exhibit documents that uniqueness by 
depicting performers from local and regional entertainers to internationally known legends performing in venues from 
Louisiana and Chicago to New York and Japan in realistic settings and abstract creations.