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!