Pasadena Chalk Festival June 16 and 17

Over 600 dedicated chalk artists will converge on Paseo Colorado’s interconnected mix of retail, entertainment, and garden promenades as the annual Pasadena Chalk Festival continues the legacy of bringing this unique art form to Southern California. The festival offers visitors an opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as they see the artworks created by the artists come to life before their very eyes during the two day festival. The Pasadena Chalk Festival returns to Paseo Colorado Father’s Day Weekend, June 16 - 17, 2012 from 10am – 7pm and is FREE and open to the public.

Now celebrating its 20th year, the Pasadena Chalk Festival places over 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of “Madonnari” (Italian for street painter) who come from all areas of Southern California and beyond to spend two days on their hands and knees creating spectacular murals on concrete areas throughout the shopping center. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic, to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. The artists are an incredibly diverse group, representing many ethnicities and age ranges. Prestigious cultural festivals in Europe, North America and South America celebrate this traditional art form and are popular attractions for artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life.

In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests can enjoy live music throughout the weekend and children can get creative in the KID’S CHALKLAND, a designated area just for children. There will also be a Pasadena Police Classic Car Show on Sunday from 11am to 4pm featuring classic and fun cars and the Pasadena Police Helicopter.

One of the highlights of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is “Animation Alley,” a specifically designed area spotlighting some of the top and upcoming animators and graphic designers from Southern California. The feature has proven to be a success as talented artists created masterful chalk renderings of their signature work, including classic characters, renowned personalities from film and television and the artist’s own original murals. “Animation Alley” is located in Lower Theatre Court at Paseo Colorado.

In 2010, the Pasadena Chalk Festival introduced a new addition for the artists. On Upper Theatre Court, the new “Chalk of Fame” sponsored by ArcLight Pasadena is designated for artists who will create chalk murals of famous movie posters with a special prize provided by ArcLight Pasadena awarded to the winning mural in this category.

Always a highlight of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is the Artist Gallery where people can bid on affordable, small painted canvases created by the participating artists and a variety of Festival merchandise that will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Light Bringer Project.

At the conclusion of the festival, participating artists will select the outstanding murals of the festival from amongst their peers. Awards include 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show, Best Technique, Best Use of Color, Best Artist Original Design and more. Festival visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite mural, the “Paseo Colorado People’s Choice” award. Ballots will be available in the Shopping Center’s participating retail stores.

The Pasadena Chalk Festival benefits the community arts programs of the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based, non-profit arts organization founded by local residents who were interested in the role the arts, architecture and design played in the growth and development of their community. For more information on Light Bringer Project programs and partnerships, visit www.lightbringerproject.com.

Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) in the heart of Pasadena’s historic downtown Civic Center. Plenty of convenient parking is available. For festival information call (626) 795-8891 or visit www.pasadenachalkfestival.com.