Paseo Colorado Welcomes 19th Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival

PASADENA, Calif., June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 600 dedicated chalk artists will converge on Paseo Colorado's interconnected mix of retail, entertainment, and garden promenades as the 19th Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival continues the legacy of bringing this unique chalk painting art form to Southern California. In 2010 the Pasadena Chalk Festival received the Guinness World Record for Largest Display of Chalk Pavement Art, affirming its title as The World's Largest Street Painting Festival. The festival offers visitors an opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as they see the artwork come to life before their very eyes during the two day festival. The Pasadena Chalk Festival returns to Paseo Colorado Father's Day Weekend, June 18 - 19, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and is FREE and open to the public.

Now celebrating its 19th year, the Pasadena Chalk Festival places over 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of "Madonnari" (Italian for street painter) who come from across Southern California and points beyond to spend two days on their hands and knees creating spectacular murals on concrete areas throughout the shopping center. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic, to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. The artists are an incredibly diverse group representing many ethnicities and age ranges. Prestigious cultural festivals in Europe, North America and South America celebrate this traditional art form and are popular attractions for artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life.

In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests can enjoy live music throughout the weekend and children can get into the creative act in KID'S CHALKLAND. This area is designated for children to create their own FREE chalk drawings for Dad on Father's Day Cards or to create their own designs with supplies provided by Paseo Colorado. Kid's Chalkland will include free face painting for children. In addition, the Pasadena Police Classic Car Show will take place Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. featuring classic and fun cars as well as the Pasadena Police Helicopter.

One of the highlights of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is "Animation Alley," an area spotlighting both leading and up and coming animators and graphic designers from Southern California. This feature has proven to be a success as talented artists have created masterful chalk renderings of their signature works including classic characters, renowned personalities from film and television and original murals. "Animation Alley" is located in Lower Theatre Court at Paseo Colorado.

In 2010 the Pasadena Chalk Festival introduced a new addition for artists. On Upper Theatre Court, the new "Chalk of Fame" sponsored by ArcLight Cinemas Pasadena is designated for artists who will create chalk murals of famous movie posters with a special prize provided by ArcLight Cinemas Pasadena awarded to the winning mural.  

A highlight of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is the Artist Gallery where people can bid on affordable, small painted canvases created by participating artists. A variety of Festival merchandise will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Light Bringer Project.

At the conclusion of the festival participating artists will select the outstanding murals of the festival from amongst their peers. Awards include 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show, Best Technique, Best Use of Color, Best Artist Original Design and more. Festival visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite mural, the "Paseo Colorado People's Choice" award. Ballots will be available in the Shopping Center's participating retail stores.

The Pasadena Chalk Festival benefits the community arts programs of Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based, non-profit arts organization founded by local residents interested in the role the arts, architecture and design played in the growth and development of their community. For more information on Light Bringer Project programs and partnerships visit www.lightbringerproject.com.  

Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) in the heart of Pasadena's historic downtown Civic Center. Ample convenient parking is available. For more festival information the public may call (626) 795-8891 or visit www.pasadenachalkfestival.com.

SOURCE Paseo Colorado