COLUMN: Drenched In Jazz & Art
Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival slated for Aug. 28-29 at The Brewing Projekt in Eau Claire, invites dozens of fine artists to exhibit their works
author & photographer by Patricia Hawkenson |
I had the honor of creating the poster artwork for the upcoming Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival scheduled for Aug. 28-29 at The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire).
The image depicts a colorful interpretation of a musician ‘drenched’ in stage lighting. This 24-inch-by-36-inch colored pencil image was sketched freehand with no tracing, AI, or other computer or projection assistance.
I’m old school, so to get proportions close to the original photo reference from last year’s event, I used the century’s old tried and true ‘grid system.’ This image, like most of my large images, took approximately three weeks to complete and I enjoy every minute of that experimentation.
For me, the process is almost as important as the final product.
The manipulation of line, the choice of color, and the application of textural work all bring joy to the experience. I expect that is true for most artists, regardless of their medium.
The Fine Art Fair during this year's Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival will be held from noon to 7pm on Saturday, Aug. 29. While area musicians keep the jazz energy going nonstop on three stages, area artwork will be exhibited throughout the venue – with a large portion displayed on the second floor.
This curated group of individuals drenches their artwork with their own special creativity, and it shows in the quality of their work.
2026 Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival -
Fine Art Gallery ExhibitorsVelix Art – mixed media
Jamie & Becky Bowers – abstracts & mixed media
Molly Linton – wearable art
Mary Hermanson Art – fiber art
Entwined by Deb – whimsical creations
Mac Designs Jewelry – elegant jewelry
Lancelot Metal Creations – repurposed metal art
Mindy Huntress Art – colorful acrylics
June Haigh-Boley – simplicity in painting
Joosten’s Wissota Woodworking – fun and functional wood products
Christina Chalk – nature pottery & paintings
Brehm Glass Art – Handblown glass
Bruce Warren – film-based photography
Terry Meyer – motion sculptures
Michael J Peterson – found objects
Leighton Hahn, one of the organizers of the Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival added, “It is a great opportunity to see the fantastic artists in the Eau Claire area.”
“We have artists that are renowned for their artwork in other places, and Eau Claire has an excellent fine art community that locals aren’t always aware of,” Hahn said. “This festival showcases them. People from surrounding states are attending and are appreciating the quality of fine art available here.”
I caught up with a few of the participating artists this year, to find out why they continue to showcase their work at this event.
"We have supported the Clearwater Jazz Festival since year one. Where else can you find a free festival with a fabulous variety of music and art?! There is high interest in the artwork... and it sells!" –Becky Bowers, mixed-media collage artist
"As an artist and musician, the Clearwater Jazz Festival is one of the best events in Eau Claire! Great art, great music, and a fun time for all. Plus, there's the beer!" –Jamie Bowers, abstract painter and musician
With a blend of music, visual arts, local food trucks and free admission, the annual Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival event is a must-go at the Brewing Projekt.
To learn more about the annual Clearwater Jazz and Art Festival, slated for Aug. 28 and 29 at The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire), visit the group's Facebook page (@ClearwaterJazzAndArtFestival). “Behind the Easel” is a periodic column by Patricia Hawkenson, a visual artist and one of the proprietors of Decadent Gifts & Gallery in Eau Claire.
