New Art Exhibit “2% Jazz. 98% Funky Stuff” Honors Kinston’s Rich Musical Heritage at the smART Gallery

The smART Kinston Foundation is excited to announce its final exhibit of the 2026 season, “2% Jazz. 98% Funky Stuff: A Visual Exploration of Kinston's Music History.” The opening reception is Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the smART Gallery, located at 210 N. Queen St. in downtown Kinston.

Borrowing its title from a quote by Kinston native and iconic musician Maceo Parker, local artists were tasked with translating our city’s vast, influential music history into a dynamic visual format. The resulting collection features a mix of portraiture, biographical imagery, and abstract works. To tap into "the funky stuff," some artists immersed themselves in the music, playing iconic tracks on repeat to interpret the literal sounds, rhythms, and emotional depths of the music directly onto canvas.

This exhibition also features artwork developed during the smART Kinston Foundation’s art outreach programming with local community organization Recovery Together ENC and public programming held at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. 

"This show fills the gallery with pieces that visually honor the musicians, bands, and melodies that make Kinston an integral cornerstone of music history," said smART artist Jamil Burton.

The opening reception is free and open to the public. This exhibit will run through mid-January 2027, with viewing available by appointment.

About the smART Gallery

Opened in 2019, the smART Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Kinston. The smART Gallery supports local artists and fosters community engagement through creative art programming and public exhibitions.

About the smART Kinston Foundation

Founded in 2014, the smART Kinston Foundation is dedicated to building a vibrant Kinston and Lenoir County by cultivating an arts-driven economy and championing creative placemaking that enriches community life.