Jazzfest, Street Art Fair attended by kids, adults


Artists Jenny Neff, left, and Essex Garner work on their street chalk art pieces along Jefferson City's High Street while participating in the Capital Street Art Fair during the 22nd annual Capital JazzFest on Saturday.
Artists Jenny Neff, left, and Essex Garner work on their street chalk art pieces along Jefferson City's High Street while participating in the Capital Street Art Fair during the 22nd annual Capital JazzFest on Saturday.

For 11-year-old Jonathan Shanks, 10-year-old Jessica Shanks and 11-year-old Katie Baker, the chalk art portion of Saturday's Capital Jazzfest and Capital Street Art Fair in Jefferson City was a chance for them to combine their creativity.

The trio participated in the event last year, but drew separate chalk art. Jonathan Shanks drew a scene from the Hunger Games, Jessica Shanks drew the Lorax, and Baker drew a sunset on the beach.

This year, the trio drew one scene that included Smurfette.

"I just started drawing her and I got better at it, so we decided to do it together," Baker said.

Saturday's chalk art competition was 10-year-old Cate Albertson's second time competing. Last year her zebra drawing received second place in her division, and this year she said she was hoping to take first.

"I just like drawing and I like to be outside," she said. "She (Little Mermaid) is one of my favorite characters and she looks like me."

Audra Hina, 26, drew chalk art similar to a painting she painted in water color while in Amsterdam.

"It's called "Bloemenmarkt,' which means "flower market,' Hina said.

Her mother, Irma Hina, said artistry is in the Hina blood.

"She was an artist since the first time she took a pencil and started drawing," Irma Hina said of her daughter. "We have it in the family."

While nearly 90 amateur and professional artists created their chalk masterpieces, jazz music filled the downtown streets.

Jazzfest included musical stylings from Dawn Weber and the Electro Funk Assembly, a University of Missouri Faculty Jazz Combo, the James Ward Band Featuring Bukeka, La Movida, and Green's Blues Band.

Robert Rephlo of Jefferson City said he enjoyed hearing the different forms of jazz music.

Fay Campo, who attended Jazzfest with her granddaughter Amanda Kimball, said Saturday's Jazzfest was her first, and the event proved enjoyable.

"It was just too nice a day to stay in the house," Campo said.