BOUNTIFUL -- Though spring showers may bring flowers, it'll take clear skies to protect the blossoms of art that will be popping up along Bountiful's Main Street. The third annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, set to begin May 13 (today) if weather permits, inspires nearly 100 amateur and professional artists from all across the county to take their art to the streets. "It's really fun. Everyone's raising the bar every year," said Jane Joy, who organizes the festival. She helped found the Joy Foundation, the major sponsor of the festival. "We're just excited and praying for sunshine." A wide range of new and returning artists will be taking part in this year's festival, including a special needs group, a father/son team with sculpting experience and a University of Utah student who will attempt to create a 3D seeing-eye picture. Professional artist Ruby Chacon, who took part in the 2006 festival, will be returning this year and bringing children to help her create.

During the festival all artists will be assigned a square of sidewalk, sponsored by the Bountiful/Davis Art Center and local businesses, supplied with pastels, and given the chance to let their imaginations run wild. Residents are encouraged to look over the shoulders of any and all artists, as well as ask questions if the artists are receptive.

Artists will be working on their squares at all hours throughout the week, culminating in a brief awards ceremony currently planned for the night of May 16. Representatives from Apple Frame and Lamplight galleries will judge.

"We may have to slide the scheduling around, but we plan on Mother Nature working with us," said Joy.

In the end, however, it will be the experience that matters most.

"I teach the kids I work with that chalk art is like a beautiful sunset," said Joy. "It's one of those great moments you can remember and participate in and then it's gone."