Musician and artist John Brennan of Lutz creates 2009 Clearwater Jazz Holiday poster
By Eileen Schulte, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
John Brennan, 20, created this year’s poster for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, the 30th anniversary. He’s shown with one of his paintings at his home in Lutz.
CLEARWATER — For the 30th anniversary Clearwater Jazz Holiday poster, officials wanted something extra special. It had to be eye-catching, dramatic and encompass all the elements of the popular musical event, including the outdoor venue and the waterfront beyond.
They found everything they were looking for in a spirited acrylic work by 20-year-old John Brennan of Lutz.
"I was really surprised,'' Brennan said. "I definitely wanted to capture the essence of Clearwater, be able to incorporate Coachman Park and the backdrop of the bridge.''
The poster will be offered for sale during the free event, which takes place Oct. 15-18 at Coachman Park and stars headliners Al Jarreau, Chris Botti, Boney James and the Neville Brothers.
A junior at the University of South Florida majoring in music education, Brennan was born in New Jersey and raised in St. Martin in the Caribbean.
He came back to the United States with his family when he was 11 to pursue an education and is now the principal flute for the USF Wind Ensemble and former member of the Patel Conservatory Youth Symphony.
A self-taught artist, Brennan has won statewide juried shows, and his work has been featured on the cover of the magazine Florida Wildlife.
While still in high school, his contemporary work was chosen to be included in the Gasparilla Art Festival.
In between classes, he paints with his friend and mentor, wildlife artist Ernest C. Simmons, at Simmons' Dunedin studio.
It took Brennan about 100 hours over a two- to three-week period last year to create the 36 inch by 48 inch painting.
He received a $1,000 commission for his effort as well as some measure of fame.
"I think it's a really fabulous opportunity to be the artist for the 30th anniversary poster,'' Brennan said. "It's great exposure.''
His work will also be featured in the second annual Clearwater Jazz 'N Art Walk show in downtown Clearwater from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17-18 on the 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street, from Fort Harrison Avenue to East Avenue.
On opening night of the Jazz Holiday, he will sign the posters, which are priced at $15 each. The framed original will be auctioned off during the event.
"It's a stunning piece,'' said Gary Hallas, the Jazz Holiday's consultant.
Eileen Schulte can be reached at schulte@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4153.
Fast facts
If you go
To learn more about the 30th anniversary Clearwater Jazz Holiday, visit www.ClearwaterJazz.com or call (727) 461-5200.
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