On Saturday, May 17th and Sunday 18th, from 10 am to 6 pm, the U.S. Congressionally recognized Children’s Creative Festival, known nationally as “Fun With Chalk,” will celebrate it’s 10 Anniversary at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo. As a former member of the Advisory Board I can report that this is one annual family event that you should not miss.
Let me share some data from the 2008 brochure which should answer your questions about the history and Mission of this labor of love by over 100 volunteers who cheerfully work together every year to put on this non political activity.
“The Art of Street Painting.” Street painting–using chalk as the medium, is an Italian tradition dating back to the 16th century, when painters known as “Madonnari” would transform village squares into colorful temporary galleries.”
Each year the asphalt surface of the Community Center in Mission Viejo is marked off with hundreds of squares of varying sizes ranging from 2 x 2 children’s squares up to 12 x 12 feet for professional artists who work on their hands and knees in 90 degree heat for hours on end creating their masterpieces. You are welcome to visit both days and watch as they begin their chalk layout to the finished paintings on Sunday.
I am sure that you have seen emails of similar chalk work from an artist in the U.K.
In addition to the Street Painting there is something for every member of the family. Popular art workshops for children, strolling performers, live music, arts and crafts booths, moderately priced food and beverages and a special performance on Saturday by the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra brass quintet/ensemble.
Included in the live entertainment is Board Member, and Maestro, Javier-Alvarez Palomar. Without giving out any secrets of his work let me suggest that you to mark your calendars to arrive early and grab a good seat before his live performance which will amaze you. If you are not impressed with Javier, I would like to hear from you!
“Mission Statement. The Children’s Creative Festival inspires creativity, teaches art appreciation through participation and provides supplemental funding for quality visual and performing arts experiences for school children, thus developing creative and imaginative adults.”
Fun With Chalk A 501 (C) 3 Non-Profit Organization.
“Among the many recipients of Fun With Chalk benefits have been Laura’s House and Gary’s Place For Kids, where youngsters who have been victims of domestic abuse/violence, or who have lost a parent use art to express their feelings. From the sale of squares and sponsorships, we are able to provide high school art scholarships, PTA art programs, and supplement fine art education–music, drama, and visual arts–in the Saddleback and Capistrano Unified School Districts.”
Note: Every event volunteer, including Board Members who meet every month of the year planning this festival, work without any compensation. This is our way of giving back to the community where we live, work, or play.
Directions. From Interstate 5 exit La Paz Road and drive east. Cross Marguerite Parkway and proceed to the third signal which is Veterans Way. Turn left following the signs to the parking lot and event center.
For additional information you may call 1-877-932-4255 or simply go to the web site.
This sounds great, Larry. It is said that the earliest blogging was done in chalk, on the sidewalk. (Or was that cave walls?)
Vern. There were works of art on cave walls.
Years later we found children using white chalk as they play “hopscotch” on sidewalks in front of their homes.
Trivia comment. “hopscotch” predated the current multicolor masterpieces by hundreds of years.
Training of Roman soldiers as confirmed by Wikipedia.
“Hopscotch originated in Britain during the early Roman Empire. It was initially designed as a training regimen for Roman foot soldiers who ran the course in full armor and field packs, as it was thought this would improve their footwork. Roman children imitated the soldiers by drawing their own boards and creating a scoring system, and “Hopscotch” spread throughout Europe”
I was at the dollar store yesterday and bought 2 buckets of sidewalk chalk.
Cook.
Please don’t get mixed up with upcoming events. This one does not say BYOB.