Chalk artists from across North America and the region will soon be descending on downtown Victoria for the third annual Victoria International Chalk Art Festival.
The festival presents a number of changes this year including a new host venue for a giant 3D chalk art painting along with the relocation of the festival’s Kid’s Chalk Zone and Performance Stage.
The Royal B.C. Museum will play host to Los Angeles -based 3D chalk artist Tracy Lee Stum who along with local First Nation’s artist Jamin Zuroski will paint a 6x 6-metre 3D masterpiece honouring First Nations in Clifford Carl Hall.
Meanwhile the festival has discontinued operations in Centennial Square and has centralized the balance of activities to Government Street and Bastion Square.
“The feedback we received last year is most preferred to have the Kid’s Chalk Zone and our Performance Stage closer to Government Street where the bulk of artists are chalking,” said John Vickers, executive director of the Victoria International Chalk Art Society.
“We took that advice to heart and thanks to collaborative efforts with the Bastion Square Market, we now look forward to hosting the Kid’s Zone on Langley Street while the performance stage will relocate to Government Street”.
Vickers said he had hoped to further expand the Government Street closure zone this year however with final grant results determined, was not able to raise the funding necessary to do so. He said however the Fort to Yates street closure zone will be reconfigured to host many more artists within the existing area.
The festival’s First Nation’s theme this year is Nature’s Spirit, a celebration of art, wonder and adventure.
There are still chalking spots available should other area artists still wish to participate, they can apply at victoriachalkfestival.com.
