The Superior Express -

Jade Chaput, Concordia resident from Jaded Ink Designs, has been coming to Mankato to paint business' windows for the Mammoth Festival, which is happening this weekend.

As a graduate of Clifton-Clyde High School, Chaput attended Cloud County Community College where she studied theater and graphic design. Chaput was born in Cheyenne, Wyo. She moved around a lot when she was growing up. She said a lot of her artwork influences came from being in Albuquerque, N.M., because of the bright colors.

Chaput's main hobby is "making things beautiful." She also likes playing and cuddling with her four dogs and her cat. Chaput has two children aged 19 and 17. "They are beautiful children," she said. She met her significant other in Clyde at a game of Hackie-Sack. They have been together for a year.

Chaput has been doing artwork most of her life, although she didn't start painting windows until after she graduated college. Before she made her artwork the main focus in her life, Chaput worked as a sales person and an interior decorator. Along with her artwork, Chaput does retro pin-up modeling at car shows.

Mankato Plumbing and Appliance requested a dancing mammoth for their window to bring attention to the Mammoth Festival (see related advertisement in this newspaper.)

When asked what kind of artwork she does, Chaput responded "I'm a Jade of all trades. I do jewelry, tye-dye, sign art and painting. I guess you can call me a mixed artist," she said.

"I love the park," Chaput said when she was asked what her favorite part of coming to Mankato was. Chaput has attended the past three Mammoth Festivals and will be showcasing her artwork at this year's festival.

Chaput said her favorite part of being an artist is how she can leave a lasting impression on people. She also enjoys being able to leave something more beautiful than it was when found.

Chaput is inspired by nature and her mom. She has taken inspiration from artists such as Georgia O'Keefe and Picasso.

Chaput doesn't want other people to be afraid to create. "Everybody thinks you have to go to school to do art," Chaput said, "but art isn't about perfection."