'Jazz Occurrence' exhibit opening in Aurora

The Aurora Public Art Commission, in partnership with Lewis Achenbach, will unveil its latest exhibit, "Jazz Occurrence, Works by 31 Artists" on Friday, May 23, at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place.

The exhibit celebrates the eclectic and all-encompassing nature of creative music, featuring the works of 31 visual artists, including Jeff Schlanger the Music Witness, Geoffrey Beadle, John Begansky, Karl Bielik, Alison Brady, Ayn S. Choi, Michelle Connolly, Lauren Deutsch, Joseph Gagnepain, Scott Hesse, Andrea Jablonski, Michael Krasowitz, Kenneth Lawler, Steve Lowery, Michael Mahalchick, Adrian Mills, Daniel Murtagh, Dave Naydock, Jim Newberry, Sam Oulvong, Alberto Paniaya, Michael Parque, Jennifer Peters, Grace Pickut, Buddy Plumlee, Lance Rautzhan, Ken Reif, Alex Velazquez, Brett Whitacre, Lewis Achenbach and Mars Williams.

The Vince Davis Achtet will headline the opening reception, playing free jazz while artist Lewis Achenbach paints on canvasses placed around the band, capturing the frequency of the room through form and color.

During the event, artists will record audio and video of the jazz, painting, and on-site interviews for a live video stream and the creation of a short film of the "Occurrence."

The opening reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 23, in the center's Third Floor Gallery. Admission is free and the evening includes light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

The exhibit will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday through Aug. 23. The new Saturday hours are thanks to a grant from Aurora Downtown.

For details on the commission or the gallery, visit Aurora's website at aurora-il.org.