Sarasota International Chalk Art Festival 2013 ‘Legacy of Valor’
This years festival theme was a good one: ‘Legacy of Valor’, honoring US veterans and service men and women of the military. The Sarasota Chalk Art Festival is recognized world wide as one of the largest events for street art and I was happy to be back after a 3 year hiatus to create another original work, this time honoring Native American Code Talkers, who served in WW1 and WW2.
My team and I, collectively known as Team 3D, realized a 3D chalk art piece that centered on the Code itself – creating an allegory of the language that became the code. Taking words from the Navajo language our piece included an eagle, a raccoon and a turtle to show attendees how the Code worked. Eagle = transport plane; Short Raccoon = scout; and Tortoise = tank.
The most astounding news I received just after the event was that the last Lakota Code Talker has passed away the day we began our painting. I think his spirit surrounded us while we worked as despite rain, we were able to finish a beautiful image that illustrated and educated festival go-ers on the history and relevance of the Code Talkers.
It was great to be back drawing with friends and colleagues and all of the attending artists contributed heart-felt and touching works in honor of the theme.
Team 3d is: Sharyn Chan Namnath, Julio Cesar Jimenez & Fred Wilms. Honorary participants this year were first timer Kurita Takako (who came all the way from Japan just to see street painting!!!) and ultra-talented Veronica Gonzalez (Mexico). I can’t thank my team enough – you guys really are the best!
Special thanks to Denise Kowal, festival director, and all the staff and volunteers at the Sarasota International Chalk Festival for an outstanding event!
