The city’s annual Chalk Walk takes over Canal Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.
“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.”
“The chalk is a unique experience,” adds WAHI Studio’s Jessica Tomaino. “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.”
Erik Greenawalt, a certified “master” chalk artist from Pittsburgh, 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.”