On June 23rd 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the 31st annual Pasadena Chalk Festival at the Pasadena Convention Center Plaza. This is an ALWAYS FREE annual event! This year, it was open to the public from June 22nd- June 23rd during the hours of 10am-7pm. It consisted of over 500 artists and 200 chalk murals. Even on a scorching hot weekend with temperatures reaching 95 degrees, this event had a very large turn-out this year! Complete with an art gallery and silent auction, with a live deejay, concessions, and a beer garden. It was certainly a spectacular spectacle of an event!
The History Behind the Festival
The history behind this festival stems from a century old Italian artform that artists known as “Madonnari” (which stands for street painters) who would use the pavements of great cities as their canvases. The very first Pasadena Chalk Festival began in 1993 after an intern of the Light Bringer Project attended a street painting festival in Paris; and brought back her amazing observation!
A Wonderful Display of Artistry
Most of the artists who participated in the event used chalk to construct their gorgeous murals on the pavement surrounding the Pasadena Convention Center. Some of these murals stretched over 100sqft! Those who attended the festival were able to vote (under 13 categories) for their favorite pieces of art to win. Pictured here is the winner for the Best Use of Color category, by Chelsea Gest:
Silent Auction for a Cause
Also included in the event were other forms of artwork that could be bid on in a silent auction. All funds raised from their unique silent auction supports the arts education programs of the Light Bringer Project, offered to local youth; throughout the year! Pictured here is the amazing piece of art that one the highest bid, by Leo Aguirre:
If you were unable to attend the event this year and missed the chance to bid on some of amazing art included in the silent auction, do not fret! There are some Second Chance Canvases that were included in the auction, available to be delivered to you (for a small donation fee) at: pasadenachalkfestival.org.
I am very happy I got to attend this wonderful event in beautiful Pasadena! And how convenient, it was right on route to my favorite storage facility, Arroyo Parkway Self Storage! Open 7 days a week.
411 S. Arroyo Pkwy
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 585-8800
