Tony Bennett Honored By DC University For Commitment To Arts

University President Steven Knapp presented the honor Thursday night at the Corcoran building, which houses the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Beyond his music, Bennett is a painter and visual artist whose works have been acquired by the Smithsonian.

The ceremony featured a one-night exhibition of 18 pieces of Bennett’s artwork, including paintings of Duke Ellington and Central Park that are part of the Smithsonian’s collections.

Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, have worked to make arts education a priority in public schools.

Bennett is performing with Lady Gaga tonight at the Kennedy Center to showcase their jazz album Cheek to Cheek.