When thousands are being “Tourists in Their Own Town” in Lansing this year, they’ll find the makings of a new tradition in
Old Town called “Chalk of the Town.”
Thanks to a contribution of 1,500 sticks of pastels from
O’Leary Paint, valued at $100, 30 or more amateur and professional artists will be beautifying the sidewalks along East Grand River Avenue and North Turner Street on May 30.
The chalk artists may come in many forms, says Karen Stefl, of
Such Video, and a board member of the
Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) which is sponsoring the family event. Besides pros like Lansing’s Barbara Hranilovich, who was the first to sign up, Stefl hopes groups of no more than five will be making the walks their canvases, including community centers, colleges or families.
A family activity tent, hosted by
Impression 5 Science Center, will be in the
Sir Pizza parking lot, where people can learn to make chalk and more.
The sidewalk spaces are offered at no cost, and materials will be provided, although artists may bring pre-approved materials of their own. Prospective artists and teams will find entry forms
here. Sponsors are needed, too, and may contact the OTCA.
A people’s choice award and a grand prize determined by a jury of artists will be given.
There will be no rain date. That’s partially what Hranilovich likes about “Chalk of the Town.”
“I love the challenge of working in unusual ways. I love community energy," she says. "I also love the feeling that something cool can just show up for a day [and] is gone the next. It's precious and vital.”
Source: Karen Stefl, Such Video
Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be reached
here.
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