Macomb, IL – Chandler Park was the place to be in Macomb on Saturday. The Gazebo Art Festival got underway at 9:00 am, as did the popular book sale by Friends of the Macomb Public Library. At noon, musicians took the stage for the annual Al Sears Jazz Festival.
The Gazebo Art Festival drew artists from throughout the tri-states and beyond. The person who traveled the farthest is Jackson Mwaura. He is originally from Kenya and now works out of a studio in St Paul, Minnesota.
Mwaura says he came to Macomb because he's trying to visit more Midwest communities to share his work with more people. He's been to art shows in Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.
Mwaura's hand-carved soapstone sculptures include abstracts and depictions of family love. He also carves animal sculptures, especially elephants and rhinos.
You can listen to an interview with artist Jackson Mwaura by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Mwaura says he originally carved wood but finds soapstone softer and easier with which to work. He uses dyes and water colors to add color to some of his pieces.
*Mwaura carves rhino sculptures in order to raise awareness about the animal. Its existence is threatened by overhunting. He says the elephant carvings are popular because some people consider the animal to be good luck.
*More than 60 artists displayed and sold their work during a picture perfect day in Chandler Park. Organizers say that's a huge increase over last year, when around 35 artists participated. It's believed that this year there were fewer competing art festivals being held on the same day as the Gazebo Art Festival.