Editor’s note: The Chalk Walk is coming up this Saturday, July 18. The story in Saturday’s Union Sun & Journal had an incorrect date.
If talking a walk down a sidewalk of chalk sounds like fun, WAHI Studio, offers two opportunities this weekend. On Friday, July 17, WAHI’s Jessica Tomaino and six professional artist mentors will offer an all-age chalk workshop from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the sidewalks outside of the Olcott Beach Carousel Park. The workshop is open to people ages 6 to adult with beginners welcomed. Registration remains open for the free class of 40 participants.
“Chalk art does require getting dirty and on the ground, so please plan accordingly in your attire,” Tomaino said.
Tomaino said the workshop will cover how to layer, shade, and highlight, and how to scale a design with a grid to make it bigger. Chalk and supplies will be provided.
Erik Greenawalt, a certified “master” chalk artist from Pittsburgh, will be among the mentors. Known as the Chalking Dad, Greenawalt is adept at multiple chalk mural techniques, Tomaino said.
“When we have an artist who does these really big scale things, we want to share the knowledge,” Tomaino said of Greenawalt.
Saturday, Tomaino, Greenawalt and artists of all ages will show their creativity at the city’s annual Chalk Walk on Canal Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What attracts viewers to chalk art, Tomaino said, is that it is temporary and is created right in front of them, like a performance.
“The chalk is a unique experience,” Tomaino said. “They get to see it in process. We put so much work into it. One rain storm and it’s gone. I think it’s the sheer size of it and how vibrant we make these pieces. It’s eye catching. People get to stop and ask questions.”
Greenawalt is a crowd pleaser, Tomaino said, creating impressive celebrity portraits and 3-D designs also known as trompe-l’œil.
“It looks like it’s coming off the pavement or looks like a pit,” Tomaino said of the way the image can change your perspective. “Depending on where you’re standing and the camera lens, it jumps right out at you. You can stand with them.”
“I think we have a lot of return students from last year,” she said. “We have more boards on easels. We are this year stepping up our game for accessibility by using boards, so you can chalk on that and do it upright. Some people can’t get on the ground, so they’re still involved in the festival.”
“One of the things that is really unique is that it’s a beginner-friendly event,” said Becky Patterson, a member of the Chalk Walk organizing committee. “The chalk community is so warm and friendly and encouraging of each other. You’ll find professionals who’ve done this for years and you’ll find hobbyists. We have students participating. It is a non-competitive event.”
Patterson, who is teaming up with her 9-year-old daughter and 16-year old niece to create a picture of Crush and Squirt from “Finding Nemo” said certain themes are popular.
You’re probably going to see some favorite animated characters, probably some portraits,” she said. “We keep it pretty family friendly.”
Outdoor art projects will continue through the summer, with Tomaino leading teens in creating wall murals in Middleport, Wilson and Olcott in a project funded by the With Youth For Youth grant of the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and Community Foundation of Buffalo.
Tomaino said she would be happy to hear from anyone in Niagara County interested in offering a wall in a public place for a mural. She can be contacted at WAHI studio at (716) 504-7539.