"Jazz Man" by artist Mary Kay Richardson is part of the "Cold Winter, Hot Jazz" exhibit opening Jan. 23 at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St. The exhibit will have free admission starting Jan. 27.

The Art Center will feature some of the best aspects of the jazz era during "Cold Winter, Hot Jazz," a juried exhibit, opening Jan. 23.

This midwinter exhibit replaces the "Age of Aquarius" show of the previous five years.

Wanting to stay with the music-related theme, the AABC decided to jazz it up this year.

The theme for the new art show includes anything related to music. "The Jazz Age certainly provides a wealth of inspiration," said Paul Scanlon, Associated Artists of Butler County president.

The Jazz Age is associated with the 1920s and early 1930s, a time that ushered in a rich period of American art, writing, architecture and music.

"Think 'The Great Gatsby,' Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club orchestra's trademark song 'Minnie the Moocher,' cartoons featuring Betty Boop, the lush, ornate style of Art Deco architecture, art, clothing, hairstyles, decor and furnishings, crazes like the Charleston dance, dance marathons, flagpole sitting and flying stunts," Scanlon said.

Music for the opening will be provided by "Mr. Trombone" Harold Betters and the Slippery Rock University Jazz Sextet.

The ensemble performs a variety of styles ranging from straight-ahead standards, to traditional New Orleans tunes, to modern jazz. Additionally, the group performs its own arrangements and compositions.

Members include Brady Amerson, saxophone and clarinet; Aaron Sattely, trumpet; Mark Dressler, trombone; John Anthony, guitar; Jon Pincek, bass, and Derek Stoltenberg, drums.

"Our opening night format is a bit different this time," Scanlon said. This opening will require a paid admission for the general public, as a fundraiser for the AABC.

Artists who have entries accepted into the show will receive a free ticket for the opening, which includes music and refreshments.

"The public will be able to preview the exhibit and have first shot at purchasing exhibited art, meet the artists, and listen to live jazz from Harold Betters and The Slippery Rock University Jazz Sextet," Scanlon said.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. When The Art Center opens for its regular hours Jan. 27, admission will be free.

"There are some very good pieces submitted, some from Pittsburgh artists who are entering an AABC show for the first time, which is very promising. The entries range from fabric art and photography to traditional watercolor paintings and abstracts in acrylics, many focusing on the jazz era," said Scanlon, who is coordinating this exhibit.

Judging this show will be Bill Vrscak, a freelance artist and illustrator with more than 30 years experience in the graphic arts industry.

Vrscak studied painting and design at the Ivy School of Art in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Watercolor Society and Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators and has been published in the "International Artist," "The Artists Magazine" and "Print Design Annual."

Due to the weather, the "Cold Winter, Hot Jazz" exhibit art entry and drop-off deadline has been extended to Saturday.Art entries can be dropped off any time during regular operating hours of noon to 6 p.m. today, noon to 9 p.m. Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at The Art Center, 344 S. Main StThis is a juried exhibit with more than $1,000 in cash awards.The theme is wide open: anything to do with music, although the hope is some artists will draw inspiration from the "Jazz Era" of the 1920s and 1930s.Entry forms are available at the Web site, www.TheArtCenterButlerPa.org.Accepted artists will receive a free ticket to the preview opening and concert from 7 to 11 p.m. Jan. 23. Nonartists and guests will be admitted for $20 per person, or $15 if tickets are purchased in advance.The exhibit will be open to the public at no charge from Jan. 27 through Feb. 19.

<B>WHO: </B>Associated Artists of Butler County<B>WHAT: </B>"Cold Winter, Hot Jazz" exhibit<B>WHEN: </B>Opens Jan. 23 with a reception and concert from 7 to 9 p.m.; an admission fee is charged for this opening. The exhibit will then open to the public Jan. 27 through Feb. 19. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays<B>WHERE: </B>The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<B>TICKETS: </B>For the Jan. 23 opening, admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Admission during regular gallery hours is free.<B>INFORMATION: </B>724-283-6922 or www.TheArtCenterButlerPA.org

Visitors to the "Cold Winter, Hot Jazz" exhibit opening Jan. 23 at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St., can see "Miles," above, by Paula Slomer and an untitled work by John Fleischmann, at left. The exhibit will have free admission starting Jan. 27.

A John Fleischmann work though untitled seems to typify the "Cold Winter, Hot Jazz" exhibit opening Jan. 23 at The Art Center, 344 S. Main St. The exhibit will have free admission starting Jan. 27.