(Le Mars) — It’s time to draw on the sidewalks again! It’s time for the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Chalk Art Festival. On Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th, the cement surrounding Olson Cultural Events Center in downtown Le Mars will transform into something beautiful.
Mary Reynolds of the chamber says that 31 artists being brought in thanks to the generous financial support of Greg and Pam Wells.
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This years featured professional is Mary Campbell, who re-created “The Woman with the Pearl Earring” last year. Rob Bixenman is the featured local artist and Liz and Emma Bixenman are the featured student artists. Last years featured student artist was Sydney Rand. 12-year-old Sidney, the daughter of Bob and Dana Rand, will be participating again this year. Her father says that her love for visual arts has been fostered by her grandmother Valerie. He’s glad that Le Mars has an outlet like this for his daughter and the community as a whole.
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(Sidney Rand pictured above with one of her works from the 2010 festival. Photo courtesy of The Le Mars Chamber)
Sydney and Valerie are also working on one of the fiber glass cones that will be placed in the garden outside of Archie’s Waeside.
If you’d like to show off your chalk art abilities, different size squares are available for $15 or $20 and include chalk. Participants can work on their squares both days. There are also fun kids events including free hopscotch and a maze, live entertainment and food vendors. Not an artist? Reynolds says just come and watch!
Listen here
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The Chalk Art Festival is September 17th and 18th. Call the Le Mars chamber to sign up or for more details.
