Denver Chalk Art Festival, THIS WEEEKEND, June 5-6

DCAFEventPhotoArt will descend again upon downtown Denver for the 8th annual Denver Chalk Art Festival, La Piazza on Larimer Square (yes, we have changed our name!) set for June 5-6- THIS WEEKEND!

More than 200 professional, amateur and student artists will use the street pavement as their canvas for vivid pastel chalk. These intricate chalk paintings will cover four city blocks of pavement in and around Larimer Square with subjects ranging from master-style works to modern images and surreal chalk creations. Visitors have the rare opportunity to admire artists in their element, all the while enjoying live music, wine, food and the great shopping on Larimer Square. Admission to the event is FREE.

Also at the Denver Chalk Art Festival:

  • Featured Artists: The event showcases several madonnari (professionals in this medium); all are award-winning street painters. Two of the madonnari, Stephen DeOrio and Mark Hollenbeck, are Colorado residents.
  • Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design Youth Challenge: High School students will compete for art supplies for their respective schools.
  • Wine Pavilions: Guests can sip and taste their way through various wines while perusing canvas recreations of the chalk pieces.
  • FREE Photo Contest: Mike’s Camera, Olympus and Southwest Airlines present the Capture the Color Contest. Amateurs and professionals alike will compete to capture the best Denver Chalk Art Festival moment. Winner receives a new Olympus camera and airline tickets!
  • Kids Corner: Children and their parents can take part in this festival for a small donation and let their imaginations soar as they create their own mini-masterpieces.
  • Awards: After all work is finished on Sunday, the awards will be giving in several categories, including Best in Show and the People’s Choice Award.

2003 La Strada dell'Arte182.JPGThe Denver Chalk Art Festival is produced by the Larimer Arts Association, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to arts education and awareness in downtown Denver. For more information, visit denverchalkart.org.

Staying downtown for the weekend? The Oxford Hotel is offering hotel room rates starting at $150 per night, based on availability for the 2010 Denver Chalk Art Festival.