Visual Arts and Jazzfest 2012 Holds 'A Night in Tunisia' Mural Project Recognition Ceremony Today, 7/27

The 10th Anniversary Celebration for Visual Arts and Jazzfest 2012 continues this month with a Recognition Ceremony and Reception today, July 27th, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon in celebration of the highly acclaimed "A Night in Tunisia" Mural Project at the Countee Cullen Library located at 104 West 136th Street, between Lenox and A.C.P., Jr. Blvd in Harlem.

The event is being presented by AHRC Fisher Center in association with Gwendolyn Black, Founder of Visual Arts and Jazzfest and will give special recognition to the clients, many who have mental and physical disabilities, from AHRC Day Program for their hard work and dedication to the creation of the mural.

The mural, which is 20 ft. long, was worked on for over a year with the clients along with community youth, parents, and professional artists, is dedicated to the hit jazz tune "A Night in Tunsia." The tune was written by legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli still "ranks among the most popular jazz standards around." The mural uses a mixture of drawings, illustrations, and photographs highlighting who's who in jazz and the historic significance of where jazz music was played yesterday and today and how the music has been celebrated through a variety of art disiplines including visual arts, dance, and poetry.

The jazz workshop, created by artist and curator Gwendolyn Black was developed to give audiences, particularly those who have not been exposed to the music, an opportunity to gain appreciation of jazz music and learn about its history and legacy. "The clients and our community residents have worked very, very hard on the mural and have done an excellent job. Many of the AHRC clients have shown exceptional talent and have excelled in so many areas. They have been so eager to learn and I am so proud of them for that" adds Ms. Black.

The mural, along with works on jazz by 26 community artists will be on display at the Countee Cullen Library until Tuesday, July 31st. A space is needed to continue the display of the mural and the jazz exhibition through September.

For anyone who is interested in assisting the festival organizers, please contact Gwendolyn Black, Curator/Producer at 212/665-5313 or via email at blackgwendolyn@hotmail.com or visit www.artsandjazzfestnyc.com for more information on this years's festival.

Countee Cullen Library is located at 104 West 136th Street (near Lenox Ave.), New York, NY 10030-2695. Call 212-491-2070 for questions or for more information.

Subway: A,B,C to 135th Street; 2,3 to 135th Street.