Can you hear color? Can you see music? Most of us probably can’t, but jazz vocalist Kathy Kosins says she can.

Kosins, who grew up in Detroit's jazz and R&B scene, has maintained a busy second career as a visual artist, primarily as a painter of abstract original canvases. Her art is on display at Kerrytown Concert House through Sept. 4.

“I paint the sounds that I hear. Strains from Miles Davis’ trumpet, Charlie Parkers’ sax and Bud Powells’ piano translate into color and texture. For me, painting is simply an extension of the music I love,” Kosins says.

Born in Highland Park, Kosins was initially known as a singer of soul, rock, and funk, and worked with Detroit’s acclaimed Was (Not Was).

Although that career is separate, Kosins notes the parallels between the two ideals.

"Songwriting, singing and painting are my creative disciplines," she explains. "Music and painting are equal parts of who I am. I sing what I paint and I paint what I sing. I use the lyric and melody for color and shape inspiration."

The artwork of Kathy Kosins will be on display at Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Tuesday, Aug. 6 through Wednesday, Sept. 4; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, or by appointment. Free. Details at www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com or 734-769-2999.