Springtime in Savannah marks the return of many fun festivals and events. Among the most anticipated of them all is the Savannah College of Art and Design’s annual Sidewalk Arts Festival.
Over the last couple years, the festival was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2020 and 2021, SCAD held a virtual competition, but now the Sidewalk Arts Festival is proudly making its long-awaited return to the sidewalks of Forsyth Park.
Taking place Saturday, Apr. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this chalk-filled fest is chock-full of fun, as SCAD students, alumni and local high school students claim their concrete canvases and create stunning works of art.
“Our SCAD students and alumni are beyond excited to be returning to Forsyth Park to create chalk art masterpieces at this treasured community event, which goes back more than four decades. To have the opportunity to once again provide public art in this unique way for our community is such a joy for all of us,” said SCAD Savannah Dean of Students, David Blake.
Local students and artists will transform Savannah’s most famous park into an open-air art gallery. In addition to the nearly 800 chalk designs, SCAD alumni Juliana Lupacchin and Sophie Tomkins will create a live mural painting. And the festival will also include an installation of papier-mache vases by SCAD alumna Trish Anderson.
The event will also feature live music and local food vendors. Performances include SCAD’s elite performance ensemble, “The Honeybees” and SCAD alumna and “American Idol” winner Candice Glover.
Food vendors are slated to include Chick-fil-A, Leopold’s Ice Cream, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies, Roly Poly, and Savannah Square Pops.
Creating a kaleidoscope of color, participants will compete for coveted prizes including “Best of Show,” the “SCAD Peace Award,” “Love Award,” “Homage Award,” “Student Spirit Award,” and “Alumni Spirit Award.” among others.
The artists will produce a diverse array of chalk art featuring distinct styles, interests, cultures, backgrounds and disciplines.
The Sidewalk Arts Festival is free and open to the public. For more information about the festival, visit scad.edu/sidewalkarts2022
This article appears in Apr 20-26, 2022.
