Artists from near and far will show off street art at March event
From staff reports
Chalk Artist extraordinaire Lisa Gaither will be demonstrating her street painting skills at Beaufort’s Chalk It Up! festival in March.
Hailing from Raleigh, N.C., Gaither travels throughout the country participating in chalk/street painting festivals and creating art for everyone to enjoy. But this will be her first visit to historic Beaufort, where she is looking forward to spending the weekend creating art and connecting with the community.
“I love the large scale of chalk art,” Gaither said. “I love that they are ephemeral. I especially love the interaction with the public, sharing art with them and making it fun!”
Gaither is a big fan of public art and was immediately hooked on the challenge of creating large pastel illustrations on street pavement when she stumbled upon a street painting festival 10 years ago.
“I didn’t know it was a thing, and I was addicted from the start,” She said. “It’s a challenge and it’s a good way to get outside.”
Her three-dimensional street paintings, known for their anamorphic perspective, are always a popular attraction.
Organized by the Freedman Arts District, the Chalk It Up! Festival combines community engagement and art appreciation into one free fun-filled weekend, March 23-24, and will feature local chalk artists as well as those, like Gaither, who are traveling from other parts of the country just to be part of Beaufort’s festival.
Artists (18 or older) interested in participating should complete the online application at www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org. The number of artist slots is limited, so interested artists are encouraged to submit their application soon.
Artist participation is free, and no street painting experience is required for emerging artists. The Artist Application and a full set of guidelines can be found on www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org.
The Chalk It Up! festival will conclude with an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 24 at 5 p.m. Three prizes will be awarded – First Place $500; Second Place $300; People’s Choice $200.
