A new exhibition coming to MoCA\CT this winter will celebrate Westport’s rich artistic legacy while exploring the powerful relationship between visual art, jazz and the blues.
Presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art \ Connecticut and the Westport Public Art Collections, Art, Jazz + the Blues opens Feb. 26 and runs through June 7, 2026. The exhibition brings together paintings, performances and community programs that reflect how music rooted in African American traditions has shaped generations of artists.
At the heart of the show is Giants of the Blues, a series of monumental group portraits by Eric von Schmidt honoring blues and folk legends who influenced the American folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s. The works are paired with more than 50 pieces from the Westport Public Art Collections and regional loans, including art by Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold and Jack Whitten.
Curated by Anne Boberski, Ive Covaci and the WestPAC Committee, the exhibition also highlights Westport’s long-standing role as a haven for creative talent. Since the early 20th century, the town has attracted artists, musicians and writers whose collaborations helped shape its cultural identity. That legacy is reflected in the inclusion of works by local and longtime Westport residents such as Ann Chernow, Eric Chiang, James Daugherty, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, Barbara Rothenberg, Larry Silver and Tracy Sugarman.
The exhibition extends beyond the gallery walls with a lineup of live events designed to engage the community. Opening night festivities on Feb. 26 will feature live music by Mark Naftalin, followed throughout the spring by curator talks, film screenings, workshops and panel discussions.
Highlights include a Feb. 28 screening of Gordon Parks’ Leadbelly with a post-film discussion led by historian Sheila Curran Bernard, a series of “Blues Off the Wall” performances with guitarist Tim Cole, and an April 12 concert by the Brubeck Brothers Quartet.
Organizers say the goal is to create a multisensory experience that echoes jazz great Charlie Parker’s sentiment to “hear with your eyes and see with your ears,” inviting visitors to experience art across mediums and generations.
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 26 – Community Conversation: Jazz Inspirations, 6–7pm, featuring a panel of musicians. “Blues Off the Wall” with Tim Cole, 5:30–6pm
Apr 9 + 11 – Adult Workshop with Peri Pfenninger, 12–2pm
Apr 12 – Brubeck Brothers Quartet, 4-6pm
***** Message Center*****
Westport merch
203 Westport • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • I’d rather be in Westport • I Really Really Miss Westport • Just a kid from Westport • Love & Life Minuteman •
Looking for more?
Finding Connecticut is a premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the best that Connecticut has to offer. From local events and cultural attractions to dining, shopping, and entertainment, Finding Connecticut provides up-to-date guides and insider tips for residents and visitors alike. The site highlights hidden gems, family-friendly activities, and seasonal happenings across the state, making it a go-to resource for exploring Connecticut. With detailed articles, event listings, and curated recommendations, Finding Connecticut helps users discover new experiences, support local businesses, and stay connected to the community. It’s the ultimate guide to living, visiting, and enjoying everything Connecticut has to offer.