Photo of street art by Kurt Wenner

As the Sarasota Chalk Festival gears up for its second year outside the city of Sarasota, interest has not waned from the international artists who come to Southwest Florida ready to paint the streets. “We are really the most important pavement art festival in the world at this point,” said founder Denise Kowal.  

The event is slated to run Nov. 9-16, but some artists traveling here for the Venice event arrive this weekend. As Kowal navigates hotel reservations, visa approvals and any number of logistical concerns, she is already in crunch time. The event brings a who’s who of street art masters to the region, including repeat guests like Kurt Wenner and Leon Keer, both individuals with strong international followings. Kowal expects some 150,000 to 200,000 attendees at the event, and the event will take on some new projects as well. Artificial walls will be brought in for a Seniors Going Vertical event, running Nov. 13-15, when many attendees will get to add their own work to the scenery. There will still be areas set up for students and small children as well on Nov. 14-15. 

And this year, a stage will be set up for the concurrent Pavement Music Festival, an arm of the chalk festival that brings musical performances back to the event for the first time since relocating from Downtown Sarasota to Downtown Venice. “It’s a performance art event, and we have always partnered with many other artists who do other things,” Kowal said. Acts like David Smash, ShoreDogs and others will perform as street artists continue to create work on the ground. 

Photo of street art by Kurt Wenner