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Chalk festival takes over downtown Sarasota

Fifty artists came from all over the world to create their masterpieces in Burns Square.


  • By Brynn Mechem
  • | 3:35 p.m. April 8, 2019
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The 11th Sarasota Chalk Festival painted the town red ... and green ... and blue April 5-7. 

Fifty artists from all over the world came to Burns Square to create and show off their art. 

Visitors could watch the artists beginning Friday morning. The artists had all day Friday and Saturday and part of Sunday to finish their pieces. 

Portraits, cartoons and 3-D pieces all were on display. All the artwork was washed away Sunday evening. 

Hundreds of spectators milled around the festival in Burns Square.
Hundreds of spectators milled around the festival in Burns Square.
One artist put the finishing touches on her piece.
One artist put the finishing touches on her piece.
Erik Greenawalt came from Pittsburgh to create his colorful portrait.
Erik Greenawalt came from Pittsburgh to create his colorful portrait.
This drawing, titled
This drawing, titled "Fountain of Youth," is a representation of Florida and it's beautiful past and future.
Simona Lanfredi Sofia came to the festival all the way from Italy.
Simona Lanfredi Sofia came to the festival all the way from Italy.
Vicini Michela used bold pinks and purples to create the flamingo.
Vicini Michela used bold pinks and purples to create the flamingo.
This 3D piece was inspired by the board game Clue.
This 3D piece was inspired by the board game Clue.
Vittorio Valiante created this portrait based off a photograph.
Vittorio Valiante created this portrait based off a photograph.
An artist finishes out the scales on his 3D alligator.
An artist finishes out the scales on his 3D alligator.
Artist Cuboliquido created a 3D swamp monster.
Artist Cuboliquido created a 3D swamp monster.
Tiara Sowulewski interacts with a 3D piece created by Netherlands artist Remko.
Tiara Sowulewski interacts with a 3D piece created by Netherlands artist Remko.
Ignacio Chávez came from Mexico to create his piece.
Ignacio Chávez came from Mexico to create his piece.
Lourdes Claudio used bright, bold colors in this piece.
Lourdes Claudio used bright, bold colors in this piece.
While this 3D piece uses exuberant colors, it portrays a darker subject matter.
While this 3D piece uses exuberant colors, it portrays a darker subject matter.
Italian artist Gabriele Ferrari created a portrayal of Mother Earth.
Italian artist Gabriele Ferrari created a portrayal of Mother Earth.
One artist couldn't contain their inner
One artist couldn't contain their inner "Star Wars" fan and created a 3D image of Jabba the Hut.
This artist used a mixture of tempera paint and chalk to create their portrait.
This artist used a mixture of tempera paint and chalk to create their portrait.
Marije Spelbos came all the way from The Netherlands.
Marije Spelbos came all the way from The Netherlands.
A Missouri artist recreated one of the most recognizable images from
A Missouri artist recreated one of the most recognizable images from "La La Land."
One artist used chalk and water bottles to make a statement about the environment.
One artist used chalk and water bottles to make a statement about the environment.
This artist was ready to
This artist was ready to "party on."
Bradenton-based artists Melissa Aldan and Michelle Clinton used a variety of techniques to create the piece's various textures.
Bradenton-based artists Melissa Aldan and Michelle Clinton used a variety of techniques to create the piece's various textures.
Abraham Burciaga used bold colors and geometric shapes to make his piece pop.
Abraham Burciaga used bold colors and geometric shapes to make his piece pop.
One artist recreated Botticelli's
One artist recreated Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" in cartoon form.
Kurt Wenner, the inventor of 3D Street Painting and 3D Pavement Art Illusion, stands in his piece
Kurt Wenner, the inventor of 3D Street Painting and 3D Pavement Art Illusion, stands in his piece "Shangri-La," which asks viewers to peer through a camera with a bubble lens.

 

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