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Project Name: Main Street Chalk Festival Location: Main Street between Neal and St Mary Streets Type of Project: Two-day, weekend chalk drawing festival - •R ~.~~ .fit ~= _. ... Summary Description: Chalk festivals are popular throughout the world and have firmly taken root in many cities in California, including Palo Alto, San Rafael and Santa Barbara, to name but a few. Sometimes the festivals are referred to as the Italian word "Madonnari", which comes from a tradition begun in the 16`x' century of poor people drawing images of the Madonna with chalk and asking for donations. There are many artists who are dedicated chalk, or Madonnari, practitioners and they travel from festival to festival creating astonishing tromp I'oeil images, copying a famous painting or producing an original composition. [n addition to the experienced chalk artist, other artists join in and use the opportunity of drawings with chalk directly on a street or sidewalk surface as a new adventure and avenue for bringing their art to a large public audience. Chalk festivals appeal to and attract a broad section of the general public. School children partake with teachers, community groups participate and teams of artists and non-artists work together for two days to create beautiful artworks which will disappear forever except for documentation. Most frequently, chalk festivals involve many aspects of a community, from schools, non-profits, community centers, artists and their supporters and businesses. As the street or sidewalk is gridded oft to provide "canvases for participating artists, business are asked to sponsor a specific group, artist or "canvas". Main Street businesses are logical supporters of this event, but other Pleasanton business should also be involved to insure its city-wide appeal and importance. Funds from this underwriting can be used to cover expenses of the chalk festival and can also be earmarked to support a local charity. A combination of professional and amateur artworks makes for a successful festival, with professionals creating inspiring images and community members providing enthusiasm and local participation. The beauty of the chalk festival is that it not only welcomes, but benefits from, the participation of all -the more the merrier. A core group of professional chalk artists, and perhaps several professionals who have not previously worked on chalk projects, should be invited by the Public Art Program to participate in the festival. These artists will be paid. Featured professional artists working at a larger scale start a day or two in advance of the event to create their grid, plot their work and produce 23