Hello everyone! I thought I would share the results from our First Annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Fest, held at the Creative Arts & Events Center on Friday, August 14th. The Event was great fun! As it turned out, the artists got a bit competitive, and one in particular challenged me to a chalk duel - or chalk off as it were. Well, game on! I had originally planned on just helping with the event, but alas, I had to accept the challenge - that is what one does in such cases. And as chance would have it, I just happened to have all my supplies at the ready for just such an occasion. The categories you could compete in were Lincoln Theme (to coincide with a Lincoln exhibit and his 200th birthday (or what would have been his birthday...whatever - you get the point); Copy a Master, or Free Form. Each assigned portion of the sidewalk was 36x36".  Well, in keeping with the spirit of the day, I chose to do the 'ol blue coat Lincoln. So I set to work, and after six hours of on-and-off again work sessions I rendered out my own Lincoln portrait.  (As well as a sunburn and near heat stroke, but that is another story.)

So here he is in all his glory - 'Cagney's Lincoln'.  At the end of the day I ended up winning the People's Choice award overall, and first place in the Lincoln category! I had a great time, and the First Annual Sidewalk Chalk Fest was an overall success! The overwhelming question of the day from the attendees was - 'Aren't you going to be sad if it rains and washes your painting away?' In which I responded in turn - 'No. That is the premise of chalk on sidewalk in general. But it also reminds us to appreciate what we have in this moment, because in the next it could be and will be gone.' That is the true lesson and cool parallel for me.
So bring on the rain! I'm thinking now I'll take pictures as it deteriorates and does wash away and then morph them into a video...now that would be cool!
Until next time!
Rock On Everybody!
Cheers!

Hello everyone! I'm still reeling from my show - Cagney at Wug's going on in downtown Indianapolis. The Artist Reception was fabulous! I met so many new people and have some great new contacts to add to my artist circle! It was so awesome to see everyone! Don't forget that the show runs through the end of August and is open Friday's and Saturday's from 12-4 pm!
The fun just doesn't stop there though! NOW, I'm gearing up for the Artists Upstairs Open Studio 2nd Friday event! It is going to be 'chalk' FULL of excitement. Why the play on the word 'Chalk' you ask? Well, since you asked!
We are kicking off the 1st Annual Sidewalk Chalk Fest! Participants have until 7:30 Friday night to finish thier sidewalk art and then it will be judged. The theme can range from Abraham Lincoln to copy a Master or Freeform - anything goes! I think it is going to be great fun and the weather promises to be grand. Why Abraham Lincoln you ask?
Well, since you asked - the J. Walker Ward room of the Creative Arts & Events Center is playing host to a traveling exhibit from the Indiana Historical Society called - The faces of Lincoln. This is an awesome exhibit sponsored by the Hancock County Historical Society, Riley Old Home Society, Creative Arts and Events Center and the Hancock County Arts and Cultural Council. There is even going to be a Lincoln impersonator there! (Which is kind of wierd in a 'I'm afraid of clowns...' kind of way - but educational I suppose. )
So...I think you are starting to get the idea - what could be more fun than re-living the life of Lincoln, covering yourself in chalk dust and then parading around a great building to chat with all the Artists Upstairs in their open studios about wine, cheese, ART and clown phobias!? 

You can hear more banter - including my idea to play off of the fact that Lincoln is actually buried (Yes Mr. Impersonator - he is dead, and not on an island re-drafting the Gettysburg address for Elvis...) under a huge slab of concrete! If you know your Lincoln history you will know that they did this so people would stop stealing his body for ransoms. Which, of course, puts us on a whole other road of wierdness that I will spare you of traveling for now!
So my chalk art might just end up being...well...a blank peice of concrete entitled - Lincoln's Tomb! We will have to see...
Come out to 2nd Friday celebration and be sure to seek me out! 

In the meantime - Rock on! 
Enjoy August's radio installment of Cagney King - WHBU Artist in Residence!