We don’t know what will happen WHEN ART MEETS JAZZ 3 on Saturday, May 18 at the Fresno Art Museum. Until the event unfolds, we can only guess. That’s the beauty of art (and music) that is based on improvisation.

WHEN ART MEETS JAZZ will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 2 to 8 pm in the beautiful Sculpture Garden of the Fresno Art Museum in Fresno. The event is not the typical art show or jazz concert. Rather than displaying their work while a jazz trio plays softly in the background and the audience sips chardonnay and nibbles on cheese, numerous Valley artists will begin the event with a blank canvas – literally. As the show begins, they will draw their inspiration from the improvised music of many of the Valley’s best jazz musicians and the atmosphere of the event itself and create work on the spot.

The first hours of the event will feature the Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop ensembles – students from around the Valley who have distinguished themselves at young ages and received abundant recognition for their efforts.

Later in the afternoon, a collection of the Valleys best jazz pros will take to the stage, including ensembles featuring Benjamin Boone, David Aus, and Richard Giddens.

Accompanying the musicians will be notable local artists who will follow no rules except to be inspired by the sights, sounds and rhythm of the event. The artists will include Rob Weibel, Anne Scheid, Kevin Stewart-Magee, Caleb Henderson, Julia Wolli-Scott, Ron Wiggington, and Evany Zirul. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase the artwork created during the event.

Of note, artist Rob Weibel will be demonstrating his amazing pyrotechnic art skills as he creates dramatic art pieces with gunpowder.

The event will also include no-host cocktails and food vendors.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop, and the Fresno Art Museum.

Tickets in advance: $25 | after May 11, 2019: $30 | children 10 and under: free.

Tickets will be available later this month at the Fresno Art Museum, 2233 N First Street, 559.441.4221 or at FAMwhenartmeetsjazz.eventbrite.com

More information is available at JazzFresno.org.

The event is a production of the Fresno Art Museum, JazzFresno’s Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop, and Art Happenz.