(Le Mars) — This weekend the pavement at the Olson Cultural Events Center will be brightly
colored in chalk for the The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Chalk Art Festival. Families,
students, neighborhood groups and professional artist will gather Saturday and Sunday to
fill their allotted area with the ideas that have been forming in their heads. Jean Weiner
is the featured local artist this year. She usually works with water color, but branched out
to the new medium at last years festival. Jean says working with chalk in such a large area
poses a physical challenge and the need for a lot of materials.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/September 2012/Chalk 1.mp3{/audio}
Her rookie year last year went very well, with an image a of 3-D otter. She said that this
year’s picture will also feature wildlife, but not the 3-D process.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/September 2012/Chalk 2.mp3{/audio}
Because families with children are such a large part of the chalk festival, Weiner thought
that doing the animals would be a fun approach for the kids to see.
The festival is not just about the final product, but about the process…like performance
out. Weiner feels that talking with other participants and those just there to watch is an
important part of that process.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/September 2012/Chalk 3.mp3{/audio}
The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Chalk Art Festival is from 10am to 5pm Saturday and
noon to 5pm Sunday at the Olson Cultural Events Center. Stop by to watch, or buy a square
and create something yourself. Boxes of chalk and spaces can be purchased during the event.
The cost is $5, $10 or $15 depending on the size.
