by Elizabeth Manson

Remember when you were a kid and you would draw on the sidewalk with colorful sidewalk chalk? Well, your childish doodles got nothing on this.

On Father’s Day weekend, June 19th and 20th, Pasadena hosted their 18th annual Chalk Festival in which over 500 artists from across Southern California came together to create 175 chalk murals on Paseo Colorado. If that sounds impressive, that’s because it was; the artists actually made history by setting the Guinness World Record for the Largest Display of Chalk Pavement Art. That involves a lot of organization, and a lot of chalk.

For the spectators, though, the event was a free-for-all; you weaved between the sidewalk art, all partitioned off by blue painters tape, to the beat of the nearby calypso band. As I passed each piece, I was forced to cautiously hover over the artists in order to watch as they meticulously rendered their masterpieces on their hands and knees. The children present didn’t seem to understand the concept of the blue tape, however, and I heard countless mothers reprimanding their wandering children with “Don’t step on the art! That’s someone’s art!” I get it, kids; people step on yours. It’s only fair.

Mostly, however, spectators watched reverently as the artists crouched and squatted to put their mark on the pavement. Some recreated famous paintings in astounding detail, some used humor, some were political, and some were just completely unclassifiable. In other words, there was something for everybody and almost every taste; even if you didn’t like art, there was street food and a display of classic cars to keep you interested.

Even though I’m glad I checked out the festival when most of the pieces were nearing their completion (on the second day), I also wish I had been there at the beginning stages as the artists carefully blocked their pavement and started with preliminary coloring, watching the work slowly take shape. Nevertheless, I’m glad I had the opportunity to see the finished product before it all washes away.

Make sure you check out the gallery on their website for more permanent versions of the temporary art. They’ll have to tide you over until next year.

Quick View:
WHAT: Pasadena Chalk Festival
WHERE: Paseo Colorado at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues)
WHEN: June 19-20th, 10-7PM
WEBSITE: pasadenachalkfestival.com