The Larimer Street Chalk Art Festival was so crowded I had to push babies out of their strollers and step over little ole ladies in wheelchairs simply to elbow my way past the never-ending lines of looky-loos to snap a photo. The artists were hunkered over their drawings, nose-to-the-scorching-hot pavement – no shade, whining kids, baby carriages the size of a Fiat, paranoid dogs, spilled drinks and ice cream cones melting into their work space. They were troopers, smiling and chalking to the finish. I applaud them all for their tenacity and dedication to the event. The finished pieces were spectacular. Because I could not get at decent angles nor close enough to grab cards, I managed to snag only a few names. Alas, many of the artists brought no cards. I will list the names I remembered like, Anders and Jane, who chalked the Tamara de Lempicka style image.  When I finagled my way over to ask for a card the guy said they didn’t have one but muttered, “Anders and Jane.” I waited. Shaking his hair out of his face he looked straight at me, “That’s all.”  Then he was back to finishing the chalk art.  He wiped his sweat mixed-with-chalk brow and I turned and stepped on Tamara…by accident. It was tight maneuverings.

Artist’s names I managed to get at the Chalk Art Festival:  Eric Matelski – Bob Ross; Mary from Gustermans Silversmiths, one of my favorite chalks – Madonna; Lauren Bassett, Genna Panzarella, Tadd Moskal. I apologize to all the other artists for not getting their names.

I spotted Denver artist Jess DuBois at the Market Cafe. He was enjoying his shady spot on the patio while sketching a rambunctious boxer who didn’t want to be there.