Art, history combine on electrical boxes

With continuing improvements along East Capitol Avenue, the Jefferson City Cultural Arts Foundation plans to add to those upgrades by placing artwork along the street emphasizing the neighborhood's history.

The artwork will showcase historic homes in the East Capitol Avenue Historic District, displayed on eight black electrical boxes in the 400-700 blocks of East Capitol Avenue.

There are two designs, all drawn by local artist Mary Ann Hall.

The first design displays the historic homes' entrances on the doors to the electrical boxes in the 400-600 blocks. The second design will be on the electrical boxes in the 700 block and will display the homes' entrances along with stairs leading up to the homes.

There are two designs to accommodate the electrical boxes. The first emphasizes the electrical boxes' doors, while the second design uses the ventilation flange for the stairs.

"This is just one example of our expression of trying to make Jefferson City more livable," foundation chair Lucia Kincheloe said. "We thought the blank canvas of the black boxes was just a perfect place to melt together art and history and celebrate the new East Capitol Avenue improvements."

The drawings will be on heavy-duty vinyl, similar to outdoor signage. Hall and Kincheloe said they did not want to paint on the metal boxes, as it would involve more preparation and cost. If the artwork were to be replaced, it would be easier to remove than paint.

The foundation hopes to complete the project before PorchFest, scheduled May 6.

This is one part of a larger project the foundation hopes to do, called "Portals of History." This would involve an augmented reality app that would artistically promote locations in Jefferson City. An augmented reality app allows a smartphone or tablet to mix real-world surroundings with what's on the screen.

"(The East Capitol Avenue artwork) is the first step, and we're hoping to artistically bring some of the important places and events to life around Jefferson City," Kincheloe said. "We hope to engage people's imaginations by this first project so we can expand this kind of artistic animation throughout the city."

Avenue HQ, Capital Arts, Capitol Avenue Landmark League, Jefferson City, the city's Cultural Arts Commission, Heritage Council, Historic City of Jefferson, Huber & Associates, the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau are community partners on the project.

Call for The Foot photos

The Jefferson City Cultural Arts Foundation is working on a project to help memorialize the Community Park and The Foot areas.

While the Cultural Arts Foundation raised funds for a new splash park at Community Park, foundation members wanted to add a greenway trail and include signage along the trail. Those signs would show the history of The Foot, Jefferson City's once black business and residential district along Lafayette Street between East Dunklin and Miller streets.

"We're trying to honor the history with those signs," Kincheloe said.

The foundation is calling for photos of The Foot to go on four signs along the Greenway. Specific images sought include those of The Foot's churches, businesses, swimming pool and Community Center. The foundation also is looking for photos that show Washington Public School, Lincoln Lab School and everyday life in The Foot.

Photos can be sent via email to Kincheloe at [email protected] or Patsy Johnson at [email protected].

The deadline for submissions is May 11.

The Cultural Arts Foundation would create and set up the signs at the same time the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry department makes upgrades to Community Park, which was listed as the No. 1 priority in the recent parks master plan draft.