Above: A scene from the Hudson Valley Chalk Festival in 2012, the event's first year.
Artists who work in chalk on public ground are pouring their hearts into big bold creations that get washed away nearly as soon as they’re done, sharing the process with whoever happens along. It’s a performance and an experience -- the art of art, you might say -- and a whole lot of fun, especially when the town throws a party around you with live music and comes out to enjoy and kibitz.
Join in at the second annual Hudson Valley Chalk Festival. You can chat up the pro street painters as they layer detail on detail, sometimes creating 3-D magic that opens a whole other dimension, sometimes incorporating local sights or events or audience suggestions. Or you can grab some chalk yourself and give it a try, with plenty of pro tips provided to get you started right. Sixteen visiting artists will be joining a bunch of local artists and inspired participants to turn a charming pedestrian mall into a gigantic outdoor installation.
The good times kicked off at 9am today, and continue through Sunday evening at the Water Street Market in New Paltz. Live music will play from 11am to 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the festival and participating artists, see the Hudson Valley Chalk Festival's website or visit them at their Facebook page.
