Call for Artists: 2% Jazz. 98% Funky Stuff

With a title that riffs on a Maceo Parker quote, 2% Jazz. 98% Funky Stuff is an exhibit designed to honor Kinston’s vast music history in a visual format. 

All pieces in the show should highlight a Kinston musician via portraiture, biographical imagery, or (the funky stuff) artwork should be an interpretation of Kinston’s music culture.

Open to any North Carolina-based artists. No entry fee and no commission on sales. We welcome original artwork in the following mediums: drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, or screen printing. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.

Submission deadline: Thursday, October 1st. Artists may submit one (1) piece for consideration. Email photos of your work and contact information to: info@smartkinston.com. 

Decisions will be announced on Monday, October 5th. Selected art is due to the smART Gallery by Saturday, October 17th. 

Opening reception held Saturday, November 7th 1-4PM at the smART Gallery (210 N. Queen St., Kinston, NC)

Need some inspiration? Notable bands/musicians associated with Kinston include but are certainly not limited to:

  • James Tim Brymn

  • Justice “Sonny” Bannerman

  • Louis “Papa Root” Wiggins

  • Ulysses Hardy

  • Willie Moore

  • Levi Rasbury

  • Thornton Canady

  • Jocelyn Brown

  • Skeeter Best

  • Clyde Mattocks

  • Mike Kinzie

  • Bill Lyerly

  • Dick Knight

  • Melvin Parker

  • Maceo Parker

  • Eva Narcissus Boyd (Little Eva)

  • Nathaniel “Nat” Jones

  • Geneva Perry

  • Mitchell’s Christian Singers