Photo: Courtesy Photo in Sarasota Magazine
“The International Chalk Festival has been taking place in Sarasota and Venice since 2007. Thousands of people come every year to experience 3D chalk designs by more than 100 international and local artists. This year, the festival’s theme is resilience.
Prior to the pandemic, Mexican muralist Carlos Alberto traveled the world sharing his paint and chalk murals at festivals. He attended Sarasota’s 2019 festival and will return this year, sharing his optical illusion drawings, which use the floor and walls to produce immersive work.
‘I’ve been painting all my life and moved into chalk as a medium recently,’ says Alberto. ‘One of the reasons I love working with chalk is you can create ephemeral pieces that people can enjoy during the creative process. They can be done quickly; you do not have to wait for each layer to dry.’
Alberto says the fact chalk can be erased easily with water is part of the medium’s charm. It can be appreciated during its execution, in the same way we experience live concerts, dance performances and plays. It survives as a memory in spectators’ minds…
This year, the festival will take place at the Venice Municipal Airport from Friday, April 1, to Sunday, April 3.”
For more information, a list of artists and to purchase tickets AND additional Sarasota location/details on the Sarasota “Chalk it up event”, visit chalkfestival.org”
— Allison Forsyth, Sarasota Magazine