I had already planned and executed the Centennial chalk art piece (pumpkin patch) when I received the call to be the featured artist for Tagawa Gardens’ annual Pumpkinfest. They wanted, of course, something that was pumpkin themed. It was a four hour event, so even if I wanted to repeat the grandeur of the Centennial Chalk Art Piece (a two day event) there would have been no way to pull it off. (As a creative, I don’t repeat any chalk art piece, anyway. Every single one is unique and made to order for the event.)
In order to simplify it, I reduced it down to two simple, larger shapes, a cat and a jack-o-lantern. When we arrived, however, we discovered the surface was as smooth as marble, and would not take the chalks. The only solution was to put down a base of tempera and then hope the colored chalk dust sitting on top didn’t blow away. Fortunately, it was indoors, so we were able to keep the piece intact for the duration of the festival.
It was a magical place and a magical festival, and we were so thrilled to be a part of it.
