Dozens of phenomenal artists will be “street painting” at Beaufort’s Chalk It Up! festival this coming March. One of them is Janet Tombros, an extraordinary chalk artist who will be coming from Florida for the weekend event, March 28–30.
Janet got into chalk art more than a dozen years ago after seeing a chalk festival in Orlando. “At the time,I was painting wall murals and thought that chalking large format images would suit me well. I wondered aloud how I might get involved and was directed to the sign–in tent!” recounts Janet.
That day began a new artistic journey that has led to a whole new world of opportunities in chalking, not only during festivals but for job opportunities. “I have traveled from Northern California to Maine and many locations in between as a featured artist. I have worked on many commercial projects all over Florida and even out of state.”
Janet loves the energy she gains from being outdoors and having people around her work. “I have rendered my best work when I have spent time engaged with my audience. Please don’t hesitate to stop by and chat with me. My favorite time chalking is when I can teach chalk art to students of all ages. I have conducted workshops and summer camps for students of all ages from the Boys & Girls Club in Boston to the Museum of Wisconsin Art and at local colleges.”
Organized by the Freedman Arts District, the Chalk It Up! festival combines community engagement and art appreciation into one FREE fun-filled weekend, and will feature local chalk artists as well as those, like Janet, who are traveling from other parts of the country just to be part of Beaufort’s festival.
This year’s activities will be on a newly paved expansive parking lot abutting Tabby Place on Port Republic Street, and in addition to the amazing artistry of premier artists like Janet Tombros, Chalk It Up!will include a chalk art competition between area middle and high school art class teams.
