Jennifer and I were honored to be invited to participate as featured chalk artists for the inaugural chalk festival at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas earlier this month (August). The venue was spectacular to say the least; to be surrounded by such an amazing collection of art was humbling. We had a theme of "NATURE" given to us by the museum and our work needed to reflect that theme.

Twenty three artists from across the country were invited to participate. Two artists were from Mexico. We were excited to finally meet other artists that we are friends with on Facebook, but had never met in person. What a wonderful extended family the chalk artist community is!

Here are our finished pieces. Both are 10' x 10' and took two days to complete. Jennifer's piece is on the left, my piece is on the right.

We were contacted by the City of Troy, Ohio to create a painted, large, 3D anamorphic FAIRY HOUSE. Anamorphic means that the image is only seen in proportion from one location, generally at the base of the image. The city wanted this done for their Sculptures on the Square event. We were not allowed to chalk on the sidewalks or the street due to city ordinances. We chatted with some of our chalk artist friends to come up with a solution that allowed us to paint the work beforehand and then transport and install it before their event started. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun! The final work is 20' x 6'.

Jennifer and I were contacted to lead an "end of year chalk experience" at a local elementary school. Originally, the plan was to be outside and chalk on pavement - BUT - then the rains came so on to PLAN B! We had the different grade levels of kids make a chalk aquarium, which as you see, they had an excellent time doing. We had about 350 kids move through our station in 3 hours. Thank goodness for adult HELPERS.