The Thelonious Monk Society For American Arts presents Reflections of Monk: Inspired Images of Music and Moods; an extensive multi-media exhibition, which features the work of forty-five nationally and internationally renowned artists including Romare Bearden, James Denmark, Paul Goodnight, Betty Blayton, Ann Tanksley, Verna Hart, and Chuck Stewart.  The exhibit, which honors modern jazz giant Thelonious Monk, opens at the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba in New York City’s East Village.

The exhibition of original artwork encompasses a wide range of styles and artistic perspectives, reflecting the diverse dimensions of Monk the man and the cultural influence of his music.  Much of the work has been created specifically for this exhibit and to mark Monk’s 95th birthday, which coincides with the opening of the exhibition on October 10th.

Board Chair, T.S. Monk says, “The Thelonious Monk Society For American Arts is thrilled to present the work of these extraordinary artists. It is an exciting way to highlight the rich, legendary legacy the Society represents and to celebrate the anniversary of my father’s birth.”

Reflections of Monk: Inspired Images of Music and Moods, curated by Edward Sherman, is the flagship endeavor by the Monk Society. Mr. Sherman, who is also its Executive Director says, “The Society is making a rolling start by presenting this exhibition as a reflection of our mission and as a component of the programs we are developing to support our mission. We see it as an important first step in establishing the Society as an extension of Thelonious Monk through the work his family is accomplishing in his honor.”

Reflections of Monk: Inspired Images of Music and Moods is on display through December 8, 2012.  The majority of the art in the exhibition is for sale.

Important Dates:

Opening Reception ~ October 14th from 3 pm – 6 pm

Gallery Talk ~ November 3rd from 2 pm – 5 pm

All events are free to the public and will feature an array of participating artists and special musical performances.

About the Thelonious Monk Society For American Arts ~ The Thelonious Monk Society For American Arts is a nonprofit organization created by the Monk family to celebrate and foster American arts and culture by providing a platform for artists and venues to showcase creative work for the purpose of dialogue, community interaction and appreciation, and to leave an enduring and visible legacy.

About the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba ~ Kenkeleba House has a long history of mounting exceptional historical surveys of American art. Kenkeleba programs are made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties, and also supported, in part by public funds from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and many generous friends.

The Wilmer Jennings Gallery is located at 219 East 2nd Street (at Avenue B), New York, NY 10009; 212-674-3939; public hours are Wednesdays – Saturdays 11 am-6 pm (closed November 22). Corrine Jennings is the Gallery Director.