Chalkfest to decorate Deco District during Mayfest

BY KIM BROWN World Scene Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2012
4/26/12 at 5:10 AM

Everybody loves sidewalk chalk.

And downtown Tulsa's Deco District will be covered in colorful chalk drawings May 19 for its second Chalkfest.

The organizers are seeking artists for the event, which will block traffic along Boston Avenue from Fourth to Sixth streets so artists can draw on the streets.

"Last year we had about 20 professional, amateur and high school-age artists participate. We have blocked off an extra street this year, and we are hoping to get at least 40 (participants) this year," said Libby Auld, Elote Cafe & Catering owner and president of the Deco District Association.

The festival will feature American Indian artist Yatika Starr Fields, who is an Oklahoma native. He will work on a 10-foot-by-20-foot chalk mural throughout the day, as an exhibition.

"His stuff is super intricate, and it has lots of color," said Rusty Rowe, a festival organizer. Rowe learned about Fields from a customer at his restaurant, Mod's Coffee & Crepes, 507 S. Boston Ave. "The guy said he knew of this guy who lives in Brooklyn but he's from here and does really cool stuff."

Rowe said Fields is excited to create a mural with chalk.

"He does a lot of work with spray paint and regular paint, and does some chalk, but he's excited to work with a medium he doesn't normally use," he said.

Chalkfest artists will be divided into three categories: high school, adult and professional. Each artist will be given a 10-foot-by-10-foot square space of asphalt to draw a mural. High school students will draw from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., adults from 1 to 5 p.m. and professionals from 2 to 6 p.m.

On the day of the event, participants will receive $25 to cover the cost of supplies, but additional supplies may be purchased.

Judging will begin at 7 p.m. for prizes, including gift certificates to downtown restaurants.

Rowe said the festival coincides with Mayfest in downtown and provides a good opportunity to experience a different kind of art form.

"Mayfest has a lot of traditional art on the eye level, and they are having a lot of projection stuff up on the buildings. And this (chalk art) will be down on the ground," he said. "Mayfest has been really helpful in supporting us."

Original Print Headline: Chalkfest to decorate downtown

Kim Brown 918-581-8474
kim.brown@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

Professional and amateur artists will take to the streets of Tulsa with chalk and display their work on May 19 during Chalkfest 2012. Courtesy