A Life of Art and Music, a one man show of the artwork of Tony Bennett is currently on display at Eckert Fine Art Naples in Bonita Springs, Florida. Tony Bennett will be in attendance at an opening gala on Tuesday, March 25th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. There is a $75.00 per person donation to attend the private artist reception benefiting Exploring the Arts, a nonprofit organization founded by Tony and Susan Bennett, which supports and funds arts education in the public schools.

Tony Bennett paints under his birth name, Anthony Benedetto. Tony Bennett began painting as a child. He received formal training as an art student at the School of Industrial Arts (now known as the School of Art and Design) in Manhattan. Bennett's artwork has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the world, including the Smithsonian. When asked in an interview posted at Naplesnews.com if his music eclipsed his painting early in his career, Bennett says, "No, it never did," he says. "I’ve always had a passion for art. I always feel like I’m stealing the money" when he sells something. The article goes on to say that his work ranges in price from $600 to $1,200 for prints to $5,500 to $60,000 for paintings. He says that it was Duke Ellington that warned him not to give up painting, to avoid getting burned out from only doing one thing.

Tony Bennett recently published a book titled, Tony Bennett in the Studio: A Life of Art & Music, which includes his artwork and reflections on his inspirations for both his art and his music.

For more information about Tony Bennett and his artwork visit the official Tony Bennett website.

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Visit the Pop Life Art homepage for links to the artwork of Tony Bennett and other celebrity artists.

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Related Blog Entry: Tony Bennett: A Life of Art and Music (Mar. 17, 2007)