History: Then and Now
History of the Sarasota Chalk Festival
T
he 2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival is a 10-day cultural event celebrating the performance art form of street painting, when artists use the pavement as their canvas and pastel chalk as their medium. The public is invited to participate, attend and interact with the artists as they go about their work. “The festival is as raw as it gets to feeling and seeing an outdoor museum in motion as fine artists take to their hands and knees for days, recreating old master paintings, original works of art and 3D compositions right before our eyes,” states Artistic Director and Event Chair Denise Kowal. The festival is free for all to participate in and attend, and it draws customers to local businesses in Sarasota, by refusing to sell space to outside vendors. It pays for travel expenses, lodging and supplies of artists who are approved early and uses quality sustainable products, so that although our artists may get dirty, everything else is kept clean. The Sarasota Chalk Festival’s success relies on four different contributors: dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, passionate artists and enthusiastic visitors. The experience is rewarding; so why not consider joining us in spreading art, happiness and creativity in Sarasota?
Our theme for 2012
This year’s Sarasota Chalk Festival is turning to the circus for inspiration. “Circus City: USA” is a tribute to, and { 6 } 2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival | VISIT CHALKFESTIVAL.ORG