(10.20) Weather is everything for this ephemeral art form and right now Saturday looks overcast but dry, with no rain in the future. Being overcast may actually be better for the artists. Find out Saturday when, by the end of the day, the downtown skating rink will be covered with images of favorite books, beloved pets, movies, local landmarks, superheroes, real heroes, anime, food, and so forth. It’s time for the annual Rotary Club of Providence Street Painting Festival.
But don’t wait till the end of the day to check it out; the process itself is fascinating and the talent on display never fails to impress. Many artists scoot around on pillowed dollies and somehow manage not mess everything up.
Spectators can purchase tokens and vote for their favorite street paintings in the People’s Choice competition. To be considered for a cash prize, including the People’s Choice, work must meet festival standards. The Rotary Club of Providence provides guidelines to artists, including:
- Original artwork inspired by copyrighted materials are allowed.
- Chalk must be applied in dry form; other media are not allowed.
- Glitter and other decorative sprays are not allowed.
- Hairspray or water may be used to fix drawing; no other fixatives are permitted.
- Corporate names or logos may not appear in the work nor any political ads or statements.
- Work that is derogatory or conveys violence is not allowed.
Rotary officials have advised artists to bring extra pastels, dry brushes for blending, hairspray, and kneepads! (Hairspray and Kneepads — that was my prom theme!)
An enormous amount of time and effort is involved here, so watch where you walk. No backing up. And leave the dog at home. (Facebook event page.)
(Depicted here are 6th century Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora inspired by their mosaic portraits in the basilica at Ravenna. This was an entry from a contest several years ago.)
Free and open to the public, noon to 5pm, Saturday, October 20, Skating Rink, 2 Kennedy Plaza, (directions)
