YOUNGSTOWN, OH.- The Butler Institute of American Art welcomes the return of Tony Bennett to “America’s museum” with his colleague, watercolor specialist Charles Reid for their exhibition: Tony Bennett and Charles Reid: Two Painters on view at the Youngstown museum July 9 through September 11, 2016.

The exhibition Tony Bennett and Charles Reid: Two Painters consists of approximately 25 Water color specialist, Charles Reid Photo courtesy of Sarah Reidworks between the two artists and includes a variety of subjects, from Bennett’s Tuscan landscapes, portraits and still lifes, to the classic landscapes and still lifes of Reid.

A piece from the Butler’s permanent collection, Homage to Hockney is included in the exhibition. It is one of Bennett’s very favorite paintings, and was inspired by his friend and fellow famed artist, David Hockney.

Butler Director, Louis Zona defines Bennett’s work: “Tony Bennett’s work is about trained observations of the world interpreted by the artist in his unique style. Collectors love his work, and it is thus in numerous public and private collections”.

Charles Reid is considered a master of watercolor, and has won numerous awards for his work. He teaches workshops around the world, and has written eleven books on painting in watercolor and oil. In 1980 he was elected to the National Academy of Design. His compositions are rich and inviting. His paintings profoundly express the artists understanding of light and color.

This is Tony Bennett’s third exhibition at the Butler Institute of American Art. He has had two exhibitions of his watercolor and oil landscapes. One in 1994 at the Trumbull Branch in Howland, and more recently in 2001. The award winning artist and singer often mentions the Butler in his interviews and even in the concert guides when he is performing.

Tony Bennett's life and philosophy is the embodiment of the Great American Story. As he celebrates his 90th birthday on August 3rd, his career as the pre-eminent singer of the 20th and 21st centuries is unprecedented. He continues to be embraced and loved by audiences of all generations. His life story is compelling in the lessons and values that it teaches: dedication, commitment, courage, and compassion.

Charles Reid, Still Life with Paint Tubes, 2010, 19”x15”, watercolorBorn in Queens, N.Y., in 1926, Mr. Bennett served in the Army during World War II and marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma during the civil rights movement. A dedicated humanitarian, he has raised millions of dollars for countless charities. In 1999, he and his wife, Susan Benedetto, founded Exploring the Arts to strengthen the role of the arts in public education. Today, ETA has partnerships with 33 public high schools in New York City and Los Angeles. As a musical performer he has been honored with 19 Grammy Awards, is a Kennedy Center Honoree and an NEA Jazz Master.

Tony Bennett is also an accomplished painter whose passion for the visual arts began as a child growing up in Astoria, Queens and has flourished throughout his life. Painting under his given name of Anthony Benedetto, he has three paintings in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC and has exhibited his artwork in museums and galleries throughout the world.

Whether performing in concert for sold out audiences or painting in his art studio in New York City, Tony Bennett has used his exceptional creative talents to search for "truth and beauty" in his artistry.