Chalk Art Festival
One of the events that I look forward to every summer is the Chalk Art Festival. It used to have a different name…in Italian, but I get the feeling that it confused people and so the festival organizers rebranded it and it soon became known as the Chalk Art Festival.
Fashioned after a festival that takes place somewhere in Europe. That doesn’t matter. Our festival is quite glorious, especially in its simplicity. For three days artists labor over their street art. Each work an amazing labor of focus, love, and maybe a bit of competitiveness. Bands play throughout the day, food vendors are placed between blocks of chalk portraits.
The artists brush sweat off their foreheads, leaving streaks of different colored chalk in their brows. It’s almost always crazy hot and this year there was also the threat (and arrival) of the crazy rain that Colorado has been gifted with for the past 2 months.
The crowds are amazingly patient with one another as they patiently work towards each work of art. Attendees will hear people saying “excuse me” and “sorry” as they try to catch a glimpse of each work of art.
It is safe to say that the Larimer Square Association has truly outdone itself with this event. The one question I ask myself is how long can they accommodate the crowds?
For now though, I will share some of what was shared with us.
Michelle Jackson is the founder of the website and podcast Square State Colorado. She’s focused on supporting local businesses, sustainability and sharing a more nuanced and thoughtful experience of Denver and the state of Colorado. She grew up in Colorado and is excited to square this Square State with her readers and listeners. Go to: https://squarestateco.com to learn more about Denver and the state of Colorado if you live here or are planning to visit or move here.