Berks Arts presents the 21st annual Frank Scott Memorial Art Show: The Art of Jazz in the Schmidt Gallery at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in March and at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading in April 2025.
Founded in 2005, The Art of Jazz honors the legendary local jazz musician Frank Scott. The Art of Jazz exhibits annually in coordination with Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.
Juror Statement
As I reflect on “The Art of Jazz” I found myself thinking about the auditory expression of Jazz as a whole, as well as the individual elements that go into its creation as a point of departure.
I appreciate the improvisation, the ability to let go and explore a path that is unique to the moment that the artist is in. The ability to confidently “play”, unencumbered by a sense that the structure needs to look or sound a certain way in order for it to be correct. We recognize that a familiar framework helps us locate what we’re seeing or hearing, though it’s the variation and arrangement that makes a piece feel fresh and exciting. Jazz has its own foundations, compositions, time signatures, beats & rhythms. When brought together they sound like something that “feels” like Jazz. It’s organic and alive, it breathes with the artists.
When selecting artworks for this exhibition, I brought these same sensitivities to my critical evaluation of the works submitted. I was looking for the moments of play, the spontaneity, serious explorations and confident application of the artist’s materials. A convergence of the artist’s abstract vision and their technical ability to deliver this vision to their working surface.
We have drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media pieces in this collection- Like the various instruments that lend their voices to create a single piece, I felt it was important to have a range of mediums. My hope is that you as a viewer are able to hear them together as you would a song, and find an opportunity to hone in on the individual. Appreciating their individual sensibilities and skill in their craft.
– Matt Allyn Chapman
About Berks Arts
The mission of Berks Arts is to inspire, engage and unite our community through collaboration, education and presentation. Berks Arts is a catalyst which addresses social and economic barriers through inclusive and integrative programs. The arts play a critical role in engaging diverse communities, changing perceptions, creating safe environments and strengthening economic opportunities. We work to make Berks County more creative, desirable and resilient.