The streets — and the sidewalks — of Boulder came alive last weekend, with music, art and fun.
On Friday, the Boulder Friends of the Library launched its first-ever Chalk Art Festival, with artists of all ages decorating Boulder’s concrete walkways.
Unfortunately, the weather played art critic, blurring some of the early efforts with a wash of rain. But dedicated artists returned on Saturday, touching up their works and creating new colorful images on their hard gray canvases.
Many of the chalk drawings reflected nature scenes, while some displayed creative use of typefaces and cultural iconic images. Some artists refused to be limited to one piece of pavement: Wyatt Nordlinger said he was working on three pieces, carrying his red bucket of colored chalk back and forth between his works.
Then, the sound of music began filling Veterans Memorial Park, as the Boulder Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Music and Arts Festival kicked up. Six different groups of performers played to a large gathering of appreciative listeners. Some found shade under the trees in the park, while many chose to sit and bask in the warm late summer sunshine on a nearly perfect weather day. “I ordered this weather just for this show,” said Master of Ceremonies Bruce Binkowski, the county’s events director.
Vendors and artists lined the perimeter of the park. And the crowd enjoyed local musicians John Montoya, who opened the festival, Rich Matoon and Mary Popoulis, who recently entertained visitors to the Jefferson County Fair, the Ranger Creek Wranglers, and Lance Handyside who played songs from his new CD plus material he is working on for a new album. Brigid Reedy and Johnny Guitar also were on thand, and Whiskey Ditch, featuring Clancy’s Clint Reider, wrapped up the festivities.
