Street Painting Comes to Main Street: The Safety Harbor 2nd annual street painting festival, Bloom N Garden N Chalk Fest, will take place on March 27th & 28th, 2010 when the sidewalks of Main Street will become the canvas for local, national and international artists. The weekend will be filled with art, music, fun and sun. Visitors can stroll through quaint Safety Harbor, view historical landmarks, visit the regional museum and art gallery, shop unique boutiques and dine at the area’s many eclectic and charming restaurants as artists spend the weekend creating sidewalk chalk art that is as real as Picasso & Rembrandt. The Italian tradition of street painting dates to the 16th century when itinerant artists would travel from town to town for religious festivals and transform the streets and public squares into temporary galleries for their works of art. Although their paintings lasted only until the next rain, the tradition has endured for more than 400 years.
The artist chalk area has been expanded this year to accommodate additional “street painters.” Last year’s event drew over 70 artists with more than 100 hoped for this year. Participating artists will have a rare opportunity to display their artwork at the Syd Entel Galleries. A VIP Reception will be held for artists and sponsors at the gallery on Friday evening, March 26th from 6-9p.m. There is no charge for chalk artists to participate in the street painting event. Participating chalk artists will be provided soft pastel chalks for the event. Award winners will be recognized in numerous theme related categories in a closing award ceremony at the Gazebo on Sunday afternoon. There will also be a designated area for children to show their creativity and perhaps be inspired to become the next Michelangelo or Da Vinci. Chalk will be provided to participating children at the registration table at the Kid’s Chalk Garden. Prizes will be awarded in 3 categories: Elementary (3rd- 5th), Middle School (6th-8th) and High School (9th-12th). A section of Main Street will also feature a garden show on Saturday from 9a.m.- 3p.m.
The two-day event will open on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. as artists begin their creations and will continue through Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. when judges will begin the selection process in search of award winning masterpieces in multiple categories. Music and entertainment will be featured at the Gazebo on Saturday evening until 10:00 p.m. The event is free to attendees. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Safety Harbor Regional Museum and will be used to fund public art projects and scholarships.
To learn more about this event, visit bloomNchalkfest.