Just because the Sarasota Chalk Festival has packed up and moved to Venice this year doesn't mean we can't still visit, right? Right ... ? Good.
For the first time, the annual festival will take place not in Burns Court, as it has for the last six years, but over a four-day span in Venice.
This year's theme is "Extinct and Endangered Species," which will highlight environmental awareness issues. The festival runs Friday, Nov. 14 through Monday, Nov. 17. Free admission; donations encouraged.
If you're planning to make the drive, here are a few of the highlights to look forward to this year, as well as a time-lapse video from last year's event:
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- Opening Gala — takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S. Help kick off the festival, meet the artists, mingle with fellow attendees and apply for a limited slot to have your face and body painted by MYTHICA, who recently competed on "Skin Wars." $25.
- World's Largest 3D Pavement Painting Guinness World Record Attempt — takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Venice Airport Fairgrounds. Watch artist Kurt Wenner, founder of 3D chalk art, paint a 3D 42' by 450' Megaladon shark to honor Venice as the shark tooth capital of the world.The piece has been accepted for a Guinness World Record attempt. Admire the rest of the 3D artwork between Monday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 17, at the Venice Cultural Campus, 326 Nokomis Ave. S. $10 parking.
- Traditional Pavement Art — takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 to Monday, Nov. 17, on West Miami Ave. Watch as featured artists from all over the world transform the Venice streets into works of art.
- Student Chalk Block — takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Venice Cultural Campus, 326 Nokomis Ave. S. In addition to professional artists from around the world, admire work by local students.
- Children's Chalk Block — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Venice Community Campus, 326 Nokomis Ave. S. Free chalking for the young and the young at heart.
- Closing Awards Party — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S. Join artists, donors and volunteers to close out the seventh annual festival, complete with live music, highlight photos and a short documentary. $25.
- Viewing Day of Completed Work — takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at various locations. Take one last look at the finished masterpieces after completion.
image courtesy of Sarasota Chalk Festival
