Picture This

It's not the politics but the portraits of presidents that excite Eric Wolfson. Who else would do a 42-panel piece depicting all of the commanders in chief, as Wolfson did while a student at Carnegie Mellon? "I like the idea of presidents as icons," explains the Winchester native. His favorite is Jimmy Carter, both for his facial features and his innate decency. "I've done 10 portraits of him, mostly action shots," Wolfson said. "In one, he's working on the energy crisis bill." (Now that's what we call action.) Beginning July 26, in time for the Democratic National Convention, the paintings of the peanut farmer from Plains, Ga., will be on display at ZuZu! in Central Square. "Carter will be in town, so I've sent him a letter inviting him to the show," Wolfson said. "Obviously, I'm hoping he can make it."

- Mark Shanahan, Names, The Boston Globe, Friday, July 2, 2004

Local artist Eric Wolfson digs our presidents so much he can name every one of them, from Washington to Bush, in just 11 seconds. But what Zu Zu is showcasing is his talent with a paintbrush. Wolfson has long painted portraits of America's commanders in chief. And Zu Zu, a Latin-inspired nightspot that offers music, food, and drinks, is hosting an exhibit of his depictions of his favorite Democrat, Jimmy Carter. The paintings show Carter in many different artistic, aesthetic and political perspectives, all culled from the President's public image during his term in office.

- Christine Celli, Exhibits, Panorama: The Official Guide to Boston, July 19 - August 1, 2004