George Washington University is honouring singer Tony Bennett and his wife with the university president’s medal for their commitment to the arts.
University President Steven Knapp presented the honour on 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.
On Friday and Saturday, Bennett is performing with Lady Gaga at the Kennedy Centre to showcase their jazz album Cheek to Cheek.
