Chalk Artist Lisa Gaither at the Lazy Daze Arts Festival in Cary, NC
Chalk Artist extraordinaire Lisa Gaither will be demonstrating her street painting skills at Beaufort’s Chalk It Up! festival this coming March. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Lisa travels throughout the country participating in chalk/street painting festivals and creating art for everyone to enjoy, but this will be her first time to visit Beaufort. She is looking forward to spending the weekend in historic Beaufort, creating art and connecting with the community.
“I love the large scale of chalk art,” says Lisa. “I love that they are ephemeral. I especially love the interaction with the public, sharing art with them and making it fun!”
Lisa is a big fan of public art and was immediately hooked on the challenge of creating large pastel illustrations on street pavement when she stumbled upon a street painting festival ten years ago. “I didn’t know it was a Thing, and I was addicted from the start,” Lisa says. “It’s a challenge and it’s a good way to get outside.” Her 3D street paintings, known for their anamorphic perspective, are always a popular attraction.
Organized by the Freedman Arts District, the chalk festival combines community engagement and art appreciation into one FREE fun-filled weekend, March 23-24, and will feature local chalk artists as well as those, like Lisa, who are traveling from other parts of the country just to be part of Beaufort’s festival.
Artists (18 or older) interested in participating should complete the online application on www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org. The number of artist slots is limited, so interested artists are encouraged to submit their application soon! Artist participation is free, and no street painting experience is required for emerging artists. The Artist Application and a full set of guidelines can be found on www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org.
The Chalk It Up! festival will conclude with an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 24 at 5pm. Three prizes will be awarded – First Place $500; Second Place $300; People’s Choice $200.
