The painting “Preservation Hall” depicts a jazz band performing at the famous jazz hall in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Preservation Hall began as the art gallery, Associated Artists, in the 1950s. Then owner, Larry Borenstein, held rehearsal sessions at the gallery for jazz musicians. The sessions then took on a life of their own, earning the gallery a reputation in the Jazz resurgence of New Orleans. Ownership passed to the Jaffe family, who renamed the gallery Preservation Hall. The hall now preserves the history of New Orleans jazz and African American history in New Orleans.

Ms. Alice’s painting captures the lively music and attitudes to come out of the historical musical hall. Most of this painting takes place in the forefront of the picture plane, with only two nondescript figures in the background. Against the field of yellow protrudes a six-piece band performing for two guests.

This piece is a hallmark of Moseley's attention to detail. Each figure in the painting reflects a sense of individualization through a diversity of skin color, facial expression and features, and unique clothing styles. The bold painterly strokes visible in the work help build a sense of movement and excitement, as might be expected at Preservation Hall.

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