ONE OF THE CREATIONS from last year’s chalk festival, which battled rain and reduced funds but still managed to draw crowds.
The Magic on the Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, sponsored by the Joy Foundation, is set to transform Bountiful’s sidewalks May 11-14 with a variety of colorful chalk creations from artists ranging from kids all the way to professionals. It’s a community of creativity and an open-air art exhibit all rolled into one, and in the face of the still-struggling economy it could really use some help from the community.
“We could really use some donations,” said Jane Joy, head of the Joy Foundation. “(The chalk art festival) started as a fund-raiser, but over the years we’ve had to turn it into our gift to the community.”
It’s a gift, particularly to kids, that everyone can be a part of.
“There are kids who are struggling, or who just want to become artists, that can participate in the festival and see what their possibilities are,” said Joy. “No matter who they are, they can find success at the chalk festival.”
Though the foundation is dedicated to keeping the festival going no matter what, a little more funding would help it stay strong and vital.
“More money would be awesome,” said Joy. “It would help us keep making the festival bigger and better.”
Still, the group is already doing what they can to make the experience fresh for residents. For the first time the festival will include live entertainers, with local songwriter and performer Mike Murphy arranging for performances on Friday and Saturday while the artists work. Performers from the Joy Foundation’s open mic nights, held Saturday nights in the basement of the Bountiful/Davis Art Center (745 S. Main), will also be taking their turn.
There will also be a full spate of artists ready to show what little sticks of colored chalk and the human imagination are capable of. Though the application window was technically supposed to close April 30, all of the available spots have already been filled.
“The art should be spread a little more evenly all up and down Main Street,” said Joy.
Those who still want to participate are invited to draw in one of the public areas that will be available for everyone to enjoy (though those who do will have to bring their own chalk).
Anyone looking to donate to this year’s festival can call Joy at 801-349-5778 or send their donation to Attn: The Joy Foundation, 745 S. Main, Bountiful, UT, 84010. Those who missed the chance to sign up for their own square this year can also contact Joy and get on the list for next year’s festival early.
As for this year’s festival, Joy reminds artists to bring duct tape and plastic to protect their creations from potential rain.
“Pray for sunshine,” she said. “But we’ll be out there either way.”
jwardell@davisclipper.com
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