Tag: chalk art

Art, stories, dance at World Water Day Celebration.

LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.
LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.

Today has been designated World Water Day. The essential message is that we should use our often limited water resources carefully and engage in water conservation.

I read that a World Water Day Celebration was to be held in Balboa Park at the WorldBeat Center, so I headed from downtown up Park Boulevard to see what was going on.

What I discovered was a lot of interesting knowledge and very cool fun!

World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
Lots of creativity was going on during World Water Day.
Lots of creativity was being unleashed during World Water Day.
A talented artist named Alexander had a bunch of his work on display.
A talented artist named Alexander had his work on display.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.

Check out his amazing work on Facebook.

This friendly, cool artist was working in conjunction with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
This super friendly, cool artist was working with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Poster shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Poster inside shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and drummers.
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and a line of drummers!

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Incredible chalk art at 2014 Festa in Little Italy.

Shaina Joel chalk art shows Italian actress Sophia Loren.
Shaina Joel chalk art shows Italian actress Sophia Loren.

This morning, about an hour before the 2014 Festa opened in Little Italy, I walked up and down Date Street taking photographs of the incredible chalk art being created for the annual Italian-themed event. Numerous artists were already busy, their works at various stages of completion. Italian chalk art is also called Gesso Italiano. It’s bold, bright and colorful–a pure delight for the eyes. Over a hundred thousand people will converge on downtown San Diego to admire the amazing art once the festival opens.

I have included the entrant names in the captions of each image. Enjoy!

Looking east along Date Street in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood during 2014 Festa.
Looking east along Date Street in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood during 2014 Festa.
Bijan Masoumpanah chalk art shows face of classic Roman statue.
Bijan Masoumpanah chalk art shows face of classic Roman statue.
Shawnet Sweets chalk art depicts a colorful, whiskered person.
Shawnet Sweets chalk art depicts a colorful, whiskered person.
Squid In My Tea chalk art being created during 2014 Festa event.
Squid In My Tea chalk art being created during 2014 Festa event.
Jennifer Ripassa chalk masterpiece is a fantastic female warrior.
Jennifer Ripassa chalk masterpiece is a fantastic female warrior.
Salgado chalk art shows Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of Rome.
Salgado chalk art shows Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of Rome.
Team Parada chalk art eyes appear on a downtown San Diego street.
Team Parada chalk art eyes appear on a downtown San Diego street.
Squadra Terun depicts a wonderful face with Gesso Italiano.
Squadra Terun depicts a wonderful face with Gesso Italiano.
Gary Simpson unfinished chalk artwork of Madonna and child.
Gary Simpson unfinished chalk artwork of Madonna and child.
Aaron Hernandez uses bright colors in this distinctive chalk art.
Aaron Hernandez uses bright colors in this distinctive chalk art.
Here comes a cool sight! Some interactive 3D street art!
Here comes a cool sight! Some interactive 3D street art!
Lilianai Mai created three dimensional chalk art for Festa visitors to enjoy!
Lilianai Mai created three dimensional chalk art for Festa visitors to enjoy!
Brianna Cunha chats with a young person about her fun dog chalk art.
Brianna Cunha chats with a young person about her fun dog chalk art.
Sumart chalk art is very colorful in the Sunday morning light.
Sumart chalk art is very colorful in the Sunday morning light.
Lauren Minadeo is working on a chalk art portrait.
Lauren Minadeo is working on a chalk art portrait.
Valerie Michelle awesome chalk art contains grapes and a dog chef!
Valerie Michelle awesome chalk art contains grapes and a dog chef!
Team Arcala creating some chalk art that includes the Fiat logo.
Team Arcala creating some chalk art that includes the Fiat logo.
Killer Queens chalk art of Mario Kart!
Killer Queens chalk art of Mario Kart!
Moe Notsu was having fun creating this beautiful chalk art masterpiece!
Moe Notsu was having fun creating this beautiful chalk art masterpiece!
Cecelia Ramos Linayao has created many large scale solo works.
Cecelia Ramos Linayao has created many large scale solo works.
Stained glass Madonna from Milan Cathedral will be reproduced.
Stained glass Madonna from Milan Cathedral will be reproduced.
Cecelia is well underway creating the amazing 20 by 30 foot chalk image.
Cecelia is well underway creating the amazing 20 by 30 foot chalk image.
John Vaughn chalk art seems a bit misty and mysterious.
John Vaughn chalk art seems a bit misty and mysterious.
Art Within Reach is creating a landscape of trees using chalk.
Art Within Reach is creating a landscape of trees using chalk.
Lisa Pierre-Davis uses a long stick with chalk tip to outline her work in progress.
Lisa Pierre-Davis uses a long stick with chalk tip to outline her work in progress.
Holly Lynn Schineller chalk art is an homage to the future.
Holly Lynn Schineller chalk art is an homage to the future.
Tonie Garza chalk art of several tender, beautiful faces.
Tonie Garza chalk art of several tender, beautiful faces.
Tiffany Garza is the daughter of Tonie! Her chalk art is really fun!
Tiffany Garza is the daughter of Tonie! Her chalk art is really fun!
Mercedes Molloy shows Disney's Lady and the Tramp with Gesso Italiano.
Mercedes Molloy shows Disney’s Lady and the Tramp with Gesso Italiano.
Chalkolate is creating another awesome Mario using colorful chalk.
Chalkolate is creating another awesome Mario using colorful chalk.
John Vilotti chalk art of a stylish face.
John Vilotti chalk art of a stylish face.
Team Arancio reproduces a classic Cinzano label using carefully applied chalk.
Team Arancio reproduces a classic Cinzano advertisement using carefully applied chalk.
East Meets West and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Italian!
East Meets West and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Italian!
Byron Houston weaves a windblown flag of Italy with a small stick of chalk.
Byron Houston weaves a windblown flag of Italy with a small stick of chalk.
Kira Lewis-Martinez chalk art of a classic Nativity scene.
Kira Lewis-Martinez chalk art of a classic Nativity scene.
Lisa Bernal Brethour chalk art reproduces sketches of a famous botanist.
Lisa Bernal Brethour chalk art reproduces sketches of a famous botanist.
Lisa Bryson chalk artwork is brimming with yummy pasta!
Lisa Bryson chalk artwork is brimming with yummy pasta!
Team Noni produces unusual abstract chalk art showing biplanes over a cityscape.
Team Noni produces unusual abstract chalk art showing biplanes over a cityscape.
Unknown artist has drawn Dracula using chalk a few weeks before Halloween!
Unknown artist has drawn Dracula using chalk a few weeks before Halloween!
After bending over a lot, I stretch and look down Date Street at the talented artists.
After bending over a lot, I stretch and look down Date Street at the talented artists.
Movingarte is floating a chalk gondola on the dry asphalt canvas.
Movingarte is floating a chalk gondola on the dry asphalt canvas.
Ciao! masquerade chalk art is suitable for the Festa festivities in Little Italy.
Ciao! masquerade chalk art is suitable for the Festa festivities in Little Italy.
Michael Zamora puts the finishing touches on a chalk urn.
Michael Zamora puts the finishing touches on a chalk urn.
United Souls is creating a colorful chalk mosaic that looks like stained glass.
United Souls is creating a colorful chalk mosaic that looks like stained glass.
Jason D Slagle chalk art Vespa is definitely very cool!
Jason D Slagle chalk art Vespa is definitely very cool!
Team Tini-Monster is creating The Muppets including Kermit the Frog!
Team Tini-Monster is creating The Muppets including Kermit the Frog!
Megnificent is bringing a bold face into existence using chalk.
Megnificent is bringing a bold face into existence using chalk.
Team Pinoy chalk art shows face of Jesus on a bible.
Team Pinoy chalk art shows face of Jesus on a bible.
Another look down the street at the absolutely amazing, inspiring art event.
Another look down the street at the absolutely amazing, inspiring art event.

Here comes chalk art created by school kids, which I blogged about yesterday.

Platt College San Diego has made progress since yesterday.
Platt College San Diego has made progress since yesterday.
Canyon Crest Academy creating a classical image with chalk.
Canyon Crest Academy creating a classical image with chalk.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society made a character out of Italian food!
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society made a character out of Italian food!
Cathedral Catholic High School team still working hard on the chalk masterpiece.
Cathedral Catholic High School team still working hard on the chalk masterpiece.
Santa Fe Christian High School seems finished with scene on a Venice canal.
Santa Fe Christian High School seems finished with scene on a Venice canal.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School created a fantastic Venetian scene with chalk.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School created a fantastic Venetian scene with chalk.
Joan MacQueen Middle School is getting started on their Festa chalk art entry.
Joan MacQueen Middle School is getting started on their Festa chalk art entry.
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet School is half finished an hour before Festa opens.
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet School is half finished an hour before Festa opens.
Torrey Hills Elementary kids created some really amazing chalk artwork!
Torrey Hills Elementary kids created some really amazing chalk artwork!
Lincoln Acres Art Program chalk art is actually an optical illusion of Mona Lisa!
Lincoln Acres Art Program chalk art is actually an optical illusion of Mona Lisa!
San Pasqual High School chalk art promises to look fantastic.
San Pasqual High School chalk art promises to look fantastic.
Just a flower someone drew on the asphalt for no reason other than pure joy.
Just a flower someone drew on the asphalt for no reason other than pure joy.
Mount Miguel High School students work on a window that seems to open into heaven.
Mount Miguel High School students work on a window that seems to open into heaven.
Lidia F. Vasquez has made great progress on her latest eye-popping masterpiece!
Lidia F. Vasquez has made great progress on her latest eye-popping masterpiece!
Teresa Elliott abstract eyes and face rendered with Gesso Italiano.
Teresa Elliott abstract eyes and face rendered with Gesso Italiano.
This happy sun and moon are just there on the street for no apparent reason!
This happy sun and moon are just there on the street for no apparent reason!

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School students create amazing chalk art at Festa!

School kids create fantastic chalk art on Little Italy street for 2014 Festa event.
School students create amazing chalk art on a Little Italy street for the 2014 Festa event.

2014 Festa takes place tomorrow! The extremely popular event, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held as usual on the streets of Little Italy, a neighborhood on the north side of downtown San Diego. I’m excited!

Why?

The Gesso Italiano chalk art! Several city blocks will be overflowing with absolutely fantastic artistic creations! Perhaps you remember my blogs posts about the astounding chalk art at 2013 Festa. You’ll find them here, here and here.

Today a small army of artists began to work on a several block stretch of bare asphalt in San Diego. Tomorrow over a hundred thousand people will crowd Date Street and admire the finished masterpieces.

One block of Date Street has been reserved just for school kids! They were hard at work when I walked past today mid-afternoon!

Stand by for loads more photos tomorrow! I’m heading out to Festa in the early morning wearing comfortable walking shoes!

Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
The chalk artists usually use existing artwork as a guide.
The many chalk artists usually use existing images as a guide.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating amazing chalk art for 4 years!
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating stunning chalk art for 4 years!
Here's what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
Here’s what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
And this is the cool masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
And this is the super cool, mind-blowing masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can't wait to see it finished!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can’t wait to see it finished!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
One block of Cedar Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!
One block of Date Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!

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Colorful chalk wisdom on a Little Italy sidewalk.

Is it right, true, needed--then say it!
Is it right? Is it true? Is it needed? Then say it!

A couple days ago I spotted these colorful words of wisdom on a Little Italy sidewalk.

A big rainstorm is coming. The chalk will be washed away.

Be aware. Love you.
Be aware. Love you.
Kiss a friend.
Kiss a friend.
Chalk flowers on sidewalk.
Chalk flowers on the sidewalk.
You are perfect.
You are perfect.

The dynamic, spiritual chalk art of Steve Mac.

Steve Mac, chalk portrait artist at Seaport Village.
Steve Mac, chalk portrait artist at Seaport Village.

Artists abound along the Embarcadero near Seaport Village. They’ll paint a quick portrait for a modest donation. Today during my walk, I stopped for a bit to chat with Steve Mac.

Steve uses his talent to capture the essence of his subjects. He has a philosophical outlook on life, shunning the material and the ego for the beautiful essence found everywhere around, and within us. About a year and a half ago he had a profound spiritual experience not far from where we spoke, and he woke up from a state of worry and confusion to a spirit-filled life in the now.

Here are a few of his works he had out on display:

Chalk art contains symbols of yin and yang, and the four elements.
Chalk art and symbols of yin and yang, and the four elements.
Serene face between wolves of creativity and destruction.
Serene face between wolves of creativity and destruction.
Sample of colorful double portrait rendered in chalk.
Sample of colorful double portrait rendered in chalk.
Amazing abstract chalk art captures life's essence.
Amazing abstract chalk art captures life’s essence.

I promised to link to his Facebook page.

More photos of amazing chalk art at Festa!

amazing chalk art looks like watercolor

I promised even more photos of the amazing chalk art creations at Little Italy’s 2013 Festa event. Many of these pics show artists at work, applying vibrant color to the drab asphalt of a downtown San Diego street. Enjoy these images!

a fantastic work of chalk art in little italy

andy warhol style mopeds as chalk art

Andy Warhol might’ve painted mopeds in this fashion!

artistic creations using chalk in little italy

artists at work at festa event in san diego

chalk faces at little italy's festa celebration

Expressive faces. This was one of my favorites!

classic figure and italian chalk art

classic italian chalk art at festa in san diego

exotic masks and faces in little italy's festa

I also love these exotic masks and faces!

neptune holds a thunderbolt over a ship

pinocchio appears on a san diego street

What could be more Italian than Pinocchio?

strange long fingers made of chalk

Even though it’s a bit creepy, I like this one. It really appeals to the imagination!

talented young lady is an excellent chalk artist

Among the talented artists were many young people. Impressive!

the minions tip the leaning tower of pisa

It seems the Minions had a sneaky, dastardly scheme. It was to tilt the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Gesso Italiano artwork on San Diego street.

a fantastic face of chalk at festa festival

Here are more photos of the Italian chalk art, properly called Gesso Italiano, at today’s 2013 Festa event in Little Italy. I’ve got so many great pics, it’s hard to choose which ones to show. Oh, well. I hope you like these! (Make sure you check out my previous post.)

artist creates chalk madonna and child

Three blocks of a city street in San Diego’s Little Italy became the canvas for chalk creations! Lots of classical images, as one might expect from a celebration of Italy . . .

disney chalk art jiminy cricket

I bet Walt Disney himself would’ve been delighted by this colorful chalk art Jiminy Cricket!

dogue italia colorful chalk art at festa

This humorous piece seems to be named Dogue Italia. That’s one elegantly dressed dog!

elegant lady rendered in chalk at festa

More beautiful artistry . . .

italian chalk face at san diego's festa

A striking portrait. You’d think this was an exquisite painting hung in a museum!

lots of people and little italy chalk art

I have even more photos coming . . . so check back soon!

Amazing chalk art at Little Italy’s Festa!

amazing little italy festa chalk art

Wow! I just finished a leisurely walk through Little Italy’s great 2013 Festa event, and by far the most amazing part of it was the chalk art competition! I learned that Italian chalk art is called Gesso Italiano. There were 62 colorful entries, taking up three full city blocks! I got so many great photos I’m going to break it all into several blog posts. Here comes the first batch!

awesome chalk art in little italy

All the artwork was fantastic!

colorful chalk face at little italy's festa

It was fascinating to watch the many artists at work. I wish I had such talent!

crazy colorful chalk art face in little italy

Lots of people converged on San Diego’s unique Italian Festival!

creating a chalk art masterpiece

Recreating a masterpiece with chalk.

girl touches finger of michelangelo chalk art god

I love this cool pic. One of the amazing chalk creations depicted another act of creation: that of God! The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling seemed to be transported to the asphalt street. Bystanders were invited to lie down and become part of Michelangelo’s divine masterpiece!

italian chalk art creation at festa

Stay tuned for more!