Artists, musicians join for Carl Junction event

By Andra Bryan Stefanoninews@joplinglobe.com
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Four years ago, during a Carl Junction High School Band Booster meeting, president Drew Balentine approached new band director Ryan Churchill with a proposal.

“He had a cool idea to combine performing and fine arts in an evening of entertainment for the community,” Churchill said. “Yes, it could be a fundraiser, but we also were just trying to figure out ways to draw more people in because my philosophy is we should serve the community. So we put our heads together to see how we could get it to work out.”

The result is being called the Rhythm & Hues Jazz & Art Festival, which will bring together work by area professional and young artists and musicians, and raise money for youth scholarships in music and art.

It will be held from 5 to about 10 p.m. Friday at the Jerry B. Stark Performing Arts Center, 202 S. Broadway. An auction is slated to begin at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.

“I think it’s fabulous that there’s the support we have, and I think it’s going to continue to grow even more,” Churchill said. “I think people are going to catch the excitement.”

Jessica Sellers, in her first year as art teacher at Carl Junction High School, is coordinating the fine arts portion of the evening. Local artist Jesse McCormick will create four 16- by 20-inch paintings from 6 to 8 p.m.

Representatives from Spiva Center for the Arts will hang art by Linda Teeter, Al Letner, Josie Mai, Marvin Dahmen, Jana Dahmen, Fred Smardo, Ruth Acthley, Fred Sill, Liz Darling, David Summerlin, Amber Mintert, Fred Mintert, Seth Wolfhorndl, Elizabeth Cosby, Angela Helm, Anne Marie Gailey, Douglas Weaver, Kirsten Weaver, Clayton Sellers and Jessica Sellers.

Joining their work will be creations by Carl Junction High School art students, as well as unframed three-dimensional works by students from Joplin, Webb City, Carthage and McAuley Catholic High School.

Many of the works will be up for bid in a silent auction, and the Band Boosters will sell refreshments including coffee and pie.

The Carl Junction High School Jazz Band will perform, as will bands from Monett, Diamond, Neosho, Webb City and Carthage.

“What’s really cool is our students get to be in a concert with professionals, and art students get to show their work right next to professional artists,” Churchill said. “When does that ever happen? That’s what’s special.”

Tickets are $2 at the door. Proceeds will benefit art scholarships for Spiva Art Center classes and music scholarships at Kindermusik.

“This is a gift to the community,” Churchill said. “We preach it around here all the time: If we want community support, we’ve got to support the community in turn. We’re the only band in town, and how many art displays do you see in Carl Junction? Not many. This is a one-night opportunity, and that’s really cool.”


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