The 22nd Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival Returns To Paseo Colorado Shopping Center Father's Day Weekend

PASADENA, Calif., June 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Paseo Colorado shopping center welcomes the return of the 22^nd Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival over Father's Day Weekend, June 14 – 15 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. More than 600 dedicated and talented chalk artists from Southern California and beyond will come together at Paseo Colorado shopping center to showcase this unique art form. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as they witness amazing chalk murals come to life before their very eyes throughout the two-day festival. The Pasadena Chalk Festival is free and open to the public.

Celebrating its 22^nd year, the Pasadena Chalk Festival places over 25,000 sticks of pastel chalks in the hands of hundreds of madonnari (Italian for street painter) to spend the weekend on their hands and knees creating spectacular murals on concrete areas throughout the shopping center that stretches over three city blocks. In every style imaginable, from classical to contemporary, whimsical and fantastic, to socially relevant, the murals are designed and created by independent artists as well as teams representing art schools, museums and cultural centers. The artists are an incredibly diverse group comprised of many ethnicities and age ranges. Prestigious cultural festivals in Europe, North America and South America celebrate this traditional art form and are popular attractions for artists, art lovers and people from all walks of life.

In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests can enjoy live music throughout the weekend and children can be creative in the Kid's Chalkland, where they can make Father's Day cards for dad.  There will also be a Pasadena Police Classic Car Show on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring classic and fun cars as well as the Pasadena Police Helicopter.

One of the highlights of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is Animation Alley, a specifically designed area spotlighting some of the top up-and-coming animators and graphic designers from Southern California. This feature has proven to be a success as gifted artists shape masterful chalk renderings of their signature work, including classic characters, renowned personalities from film and television and the artists' own original murals. Animation Alley will be located in the Lower Theatre Court at Paseo Colorado.

In 2010, the Pasadena Chalk Festival introduced a new addition for the artists that is still a "must-see" among festival-goers. On the Upper Theatre Court, the new Chalk of Fame – sponsored by ArcLight Pasadena – is designated for artists who will create chalk murals of famous movie posters.

Always a highlight of the Pasadena Chalk Festival is the Artist Gallery where people can bid on affordable, small-painted canvases created by the participating artists and a variety of festival merchandise that will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Light Bringer Project.

At the conclusion of the festival, participating artists will select the outstanding murals of the festival from among their peers. Awards include 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Place Best of Show, Best Technique, Best Use of Color, Best Artist Original Design and more. Festival visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite mural, the Paseo Colorado People's Choice award. Ballots will be available at participating retail stores located throughout the shopping center.

The Pasadena Chalk Festival benefits the community arts programs of the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based, non-profit arts organization founded by local residents who were interested in the role the arts, architecture and design played in the growth and development of their community.  For more information on Light Bringer Project programs and partnerships, visit www.lightbringerproject.com. 

Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) in the heart of Pasadena's historic downtown Civic Center.  Plenty of convenient parking is available. For festival information call (626) 795-8891 or visit www.pasadenachalkfestival.com.

SOURCE Paseo Colorado