To: 2012 Chalk Festival volunteers
As Circus City comes to an end
Monday night, November 5: I sit at my computer going through video clips and images from the last month, my mind is numb and one image looks like the next. I swallow and I feel a lump in the back of my throat… hinting at a cold sure to follow. I’m too tired to will it away or fight it.
Tuesday morning I wake up. As I take a swig from the Dayquil bottle, a SRV tune plays over and over in my mind. “The sky is crying”. The weather has been fair all week and the very last day… rain? I don the familiar OJ volunteer shirt one last time.
The un-sung heroes
This year was my first “behind the scenes” look at the Sarasota Chalk Festival. Sunday’s in October were reserved for those who would “get their hands dirty”. It was a prop day and we painted circus posters, wrapped people in packing tape and took on any other task that needed to be done.
Friday nights were were set aside for informal meet and greets where we would all cram into Denise’ home, chat, nibble and laugh.
None of this prepared me for the first day of the festival when I reported to volunteer HQ. The hub… the go to place for everything festival related.
I think back to a group of young wide-eyed volunteers reporting for duty. As they were waiting to get their official orange volunteer shirt, I saw it on their faces. Eager to please… but not quite sure of what to expect. These young people could be doing anything but they were here volunteering their time. Admirable.
That is the reason for this video. While I’m was working on it, I had one regret. I didn’t get every volunteer in the video. There will be a thousand photos of the festival, the art and the artists. But you guys are the un-sung heroes of the whole thing. I make a vow to do better next year.
I was part of the photography team headed by David Taylor. There wasn’t a lot of time to get to know each other but we got to meet. I’m sure we will run into each other out there shooting and our week at the festival has given us a common bond. Each one of you have your own style and it was a pleasure watching you all in action.
Thank you Cold Sun Productions:
I can’t say I was stalking you but I was watching how you work all week. This particular day you were on top of the scaffolding overlooking Kurt Wenner’s piece and that was where I wanted to be. As you grabbed my tri-pod and camera helping me over the top of the scaffolding, I jokingly mentioned that I could handle my little handy cam and wrapped it around my wrist. As we chatted all I wanted to do was get a hold of your video camera and see for myself the difference between shooting on my budget and yours. It was probably nothing to you but it was like a revelation to me when you said how you remembered shooting a whole video with a hanycam. That little statement gives me hope. Till then, I will happily plug along on what God has given me. By the way… YOUR WORK IS AWESOME!!!
From Cold Sun Productions…
The artwork on buildings will be in progress after the festival and the art on the street has been allowed to fade away over the next month. But until next year the crowds, the artists, and the festival atmosphere are all gone.
To be a part of the Chalk Festival experience go to the Sarasota Chalk Festival website and sign up.
“Going Vertical”
It’s been around forever
but is it acceptable in Sarasota???
If Denise Kowal gets her way (some say, she ALWAYS does) she’ll have artists climbing the walls around town and leaving behind… Art?
Last years festival gave us a taste of “Going Vertical”
Not that recording history or communicating by drawing on a wall is new… it’s just hasn’t been established as an artform in SRQ.
Controversy surrounded almost every aspect of going vertical which was introduced via the Sarasota Chalk Festival in 2011. From MTO’s Fast Life mural to the Palm Avenue (lipstick on a pig) parking garage. Some were thrilled with the fare and some turned up their noses.
As this years festival is about to begin, did last years controversy scare Kowal into conforming to the way we do art here? Or will she continue in her vision where art will be out there for everyone to see? No entrance fees, no gallery.
“Round two” & going vertical
In a recent Ticket Sarasota article, Denise promotes this years “Going Vertical” launch party while giving her opinion on the Sarasota art scene…
“Sarasota is not used to being challenged much, and we’re a little white-bred when it comes to art,” Kowal says. “We’re never going to grow as a community if we don’t allow other processes to happen. That’s how children grow. They need to be challenged with things that make them think. Stereotypes brew when you’re not given the opportunity to look at different perspectives.”
I find her white-bred reference priceless (but I have thick skin) and it could be the final blow suffered by those who want to dictate what art is worthy of a place in our community.
From the clowns in 2005 up to present day “Surrender”, our history proves there are those who judge what is and isn’t art and would only allow art that is proper and safe. No grey matter needed. When John Henry curated this years Season of Sculpture he stated that fewer artists are making personal statements. “We’re seeing fewer pieces that make any statement — period”. I agree.
The 2012 launch “party
This years festival, Circus City, USA (let the controversy begin) is about to get under way and Sarasota Architectural Salvage was the perfect venue for the “Going Vertical” launch party.
The rain was no deterrent and Dr Robin was keeping watch outside as guests arrived. Greeted by a human statue high atop a specially crafted pedestal. Four statues (Denise Kowal, Jill Kelly, Elisa Graber, Alexis Clarke) in all, each one dressed in attire compliments of Cash Delight and Tortoise & Pearl. A donation dropped into a pedestal was all it took to get any movement from the lovely ladies.
Chalk boards were set up and local artists Lori Loveberry George and Truman Adams were chalking away. They weren’t the only ones allowed to play. More boards were set for those in attendance who would wish to leave their mark during this festive evening.
Music and conversation filled the air as people nibbled their way through the rooms. Support for the festival was clear by those in attendance as more walls were donated for murals and more artists being sponsored. A success!
Congratulation to the Sarasota Chalk Festival. It appears Denise will continue to pave the way towards tolerance, acceptance and in her endeavor to make art available to all.
The Sarasota Chalk Festival
It will be here before you know it.
artwork used in the poster is from the 2011 festival by: Eduardo Relero
Each Friday the volunteers get together to get to know each other and discuss whatever needs discussing. This particular Friday I find myself with no desire to go out in traffic again. So as 5:00 rolled around, I pushed myself away from the computer and walked to the kitchen. No bolt of lightning, no get-up-and-go. I got some coffee and sat back down to check my email. After ignoring most of the messages and dumping my spam I was still wrestling with the commitment I have made to support the festival and my lack of motivation. I finally pushed through the funk and headed to the gathering.
I think when you push through an obstacle (no matter how small) you just feel better about yourself, and I did. I walked away feeling more excitement about the upcoming event (if that is possible)! I also walked away feeling proud that I am able to play a small part in this thing.
What has me excited? Except for those who suffer from Coulrophobia, who doesn’t get excited when the circus comes to town?
As this years festival (Circus City, USA)takes shape, life-size elephants are being sculpted and inspired by artist Mark Jenkins, we are getting together tomorrow to wrap ourselves in packing tape. The best local and international artists will be here along with Kurt Wenner who will be working on a premier piece of artwork for this years festival.
As Denise explained her reason why she wants to keep the festival free, I am happy to be a part of the volunteer staff. Knowing there are many people who may never be able to view artwork at this level if there were a fee attached, she doesn’t want to ask an entry fee. This way the art is seen and appreciated by all. It doesn’t matter if you have $100,000 in the bank or $1 in your wallet. The festival is for the entire community.
Not only is it free to attend, it’s free to participate. Travel, lodging, food, supplies. It’s covered.
This is the Sarasota Chalk Festivals 5th year. Still in its infancy really but the success of the earlier years speaks volumes. The Sarasota Chalk Festival has become an international event. But it wont happen without support. The festival needs volunteers, sponsors and donations.
Yes, I walked out of last nights meeting feeling pretty good. I even took some tickets for the fundraiser to sell and I am not a salesperson.
2012 Sarasota Chalk Festival
Kowal and company are gearing up for the 5th annual Sarasota Chalk Festival and this year’s event will be true to form in keeping with the tradition of excellence we’ve come to expect.
“How can this be” you say? My reply, “you must not know Denise”! She sees it in her mind, then rallies her talented band of cohorts into making it happen. Her unstoppable, can do attitude is contagious and inspiring.
Which bring’s me to my next point.
What’s your talent?
Visit the Sarasota Chalk Festival website and fill out an application to volunteer.
More on the Sarasota Chalk Festival:
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