Read the full article by Marie-Elena Schembri in New Times Magazine
September may be the harbinger of fall, but this month is still bringing the heat with interactive local art shows, an immersive traveling exhibition and one of the year’s most engaging art events: the Chalk It Up sidewalk chalk festival.
The annual Chalk It Up! chalk art and music festival transforms Fremont Park in Midtown Sacramento over Labor Day weekend. Now in its 35th year, the Chalk It Up! festival is a Sacramento tradition that began in 1991, with artists and community members taking over the park for three days, Aug. 31-Sept 1. Inspired by the 16th-century Italian street painting tradition, called “Madonnari,” the festival turns sidewalks into colorful murals.
Over 150 artists will create on site, giving the public a chance to interact with the artists and watch their artwork evolve. Live music all day long, local vendors and the opportunity to participate with free sidewalk chalk are some of the perks of attending this free community event put on by a local nonprofit of the same name.