Colorado offers a plethora of entertaining summer events.  From celebrations for a chilly corpse at Frozen Dead Guy Days to commemorating peculiar poultry at the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, there’s always something to look forward to.

And one of the most awe-inspiring events of the year is the Denver Chalk Art Festival!

Taking over four streets in downtown Denver, the Chalk Art Festival showcases works that are here today and gone tomorrow.  You can watch the pavement come to life with color, only to be driven on and worn away days later.  It’s a testament to progress and change.

The Chalk Art Festival

For over 15 years, the Denver Chalk Art Festival has transformed a city block around Larimer Square into a vivid multicolor canvas.  The free two-day event in June mirrors 16th-century traditions in Renaissance Italy, when asphalt streets were colored with chalk.  In those days, artists were called “Madonnari” for their chalk recreations of Madonna.

Today, artists’ designs are far more imaginative.  You’ll find everything from rainbow lions and friendly dragons to giggling fairies and 3D explorers.

Combine the outstanding art with great music, delicious local beverages, and mouth-watering cuisine, and it’s easy to see why the Denver Chalk Art Festival has become such a hit!

The Talented Artists

What began as a celebration with only 43 participants has grown to showcases creations by over 237!  Artists from out of town and the Front Range work individually and in teams to make their designs come to life.  These creatives include featured artists, general participants, and a local youth challenge.

Hailing from different backgrounds like photography and graphic design, each artist’s past experience complements their current creative eye.

Want to join in on the fun?  There’s even an area for the public to grab a piece of chalk and design their own work of art!

The Impressive Artwork

Each artist is given an 8 x 8 foot square sponsored by local businesses for $400 (larger squares can be sponsored for $800).  All the funds raised benefit the Larimer Arts Association, which helps support schools and local artists.  A win-win for small businesses and the community!

Artists then create pieces ranging from colorful whimsy to dramatic realism.  Some jump off the pavement and others leave you spellbound.  Artists compete for the votes of judges and onlookers, while Featured Artists produce works that are fit for a museum (although they are unable to compete in the competition).

Working off sketches and prints, artists enlarge pictures with outlines on the pavement.  Then comes the task of adding color and dimension.  Layering shades and hues, each piece begins to take shape.  Some choose to blend colors by hand, while others utilize each stroke of chalk as an added detail in their composition.

Over the two days, onlookers can watch the smattering of lines and colors come together to form impressive masterpieces.

2018 PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER – Rainbow Lion by Natalie Gillespie

BEST IN SHOW 2018, SILVER – Daniel Chavez and Eddie Huang

2018 BEST USE OF COLOR – Like Cats and Dogs – Phillip Berna

A Tribute to Bob Ross by Katie Vuletich

Amazing attention to detail in Mark Hollenbeck’s piece, Queen Esther.

Tips for Visiting

To make the most of your time at the Denver Chalk Art Festival, there are a few things to note:

Parking

The event has grown from 10,000 spectators to well over 150,000, so parking can be a challenge.  I suggest parking at the Writers Square garage, located on Lawrence Street between 15th and 16th.  The rates are reasonable, it’s convenient to Larimer Square, and the garage is never full.

Know When To Go

The Denver Chalk Art Festival runs for two days, but most artists don’t start working on their space until Saturday morning.  Consequently, the best time to go is Sunday afternoon once most of the artists are completing their creations.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Because the event is in the middle of the street, there is little to no cover or shade.  So check the weather to see if it’s going to rain (which means most of the artwork will be washed away).  Similarly, if it’s going to be sunny, wear plenty of sunscreen or a hat to avoid getting burnt.  Because no one wants to bring home a sunburn as a souvenir!

Viewing 3D Images

When viewing the 3D art, it’s all about perspective.  Looking at them in person may seem like the artist made a miscalculation.  Certain lines appear elongated while others appear too short.  However, when standing in a certain position and viewed through a phone or camera, the image literally pops off the pavement at you!  So keep your eyes open for those, they’re especially entertaining.

Tips for Photography

To see the impressive artwork you’ll have to join the (very slowly) moving line of people walking near the base of each creation.  Because you are so close to the chalk art, I suggest using a wide-angle or versatile everyday lens of at least 24mm to capture the scope of each image.  Also, make sure to pay attention to where you’re standing!  You don’t want to step on someone’s hard work (because who wants to be that guy?)

With outstanding artwork, lively music, delicious food, and awesome activities, it’s no mystery why the event has become so popular.  So if you’re looking for ways to add a splash of color to your summer, head to the Denver Chalk Art Festival!

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