To the editor,

The weather was finally favorable, the crowd was amiable, and the 2nd annual Chalk-Full-O-Fun Street Painting Festival was a huge success! There were 170 artists of all ages who registered to “paint” a square of pavement in the park in Onset on Aug. 30. Hundreds more came to browse the sidewalk art, shop the craft fair and listen to the music of Lindsay Straw (vocalist and guitarist).

The committee extends its sincere thanks to the grantors, sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, crafters, performers, artists, town police department, and the Onset Bay Association (OBA) for making it possible. Their support helped to keep the event affordable, entertaining, and safe for all the individuals and families who attended. It was a memorable way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the park.

Our tribute to “Sidewalk Sam” (Robert Guillemin) via a community “canvas” was facilitated by Spencer Boyer who drew the peace dove and banner on the pavement. It is a symbol of Art Street, Inc., the nonprofit organization founded by Sidewalk Sam, who passed away in January of this year. Sidewalk Sam was dedicated to bringing art to public places to engage people in creative arts and positive social causes. Spencer, at 17 years old, is a multi-talented individual with a quiet strength and generous spirit. We are very grateful that he agreed to help us with this part of the festival.

We are also grateful for the support of: the Wareham and Middleboro Cultural Councils (local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency), the United Way of Greater New Bedford, Plymouth County Convention & Visitors Bureau, First Citizens Federal Credit Union, the Wareham Community Events Committee, Powder Horn Press, Eastern Bank, Stop & Shop, the Inn on Onset Bay, StoneBridge Bar & Grill, Pier View Restaurant, Water Wiz, Flagship Cinemas, Gateway Tavern, Kool Kone, Riverside Café, Cape Clogs, Tara Dean Studio, Bailey’s Surf & Turf Restaurant, Hangman Coffee Hut, Chili’s Restaurant, Onset Village Hardware, Michaels Craft Store, and Guido’s Ice Cream. Each of them contributed in some way, either by financial support, materials, prizes, or hands-on assistance. We are grateful for every contribution, big and small. The volunteers were also vital to the execution of the event. Sincere thanks to our committee members who worked throughout the year to plan, prepare and promote the festival: Paul and Patricia Ciccotelli, Winna Dean, Becky Dobbs, Sharon Elder, Kat Jones, Eleanor Martin, and Jennifer Uvanitte. Thanks also to the many others who helped on the day the event: Jennifer Haley, Eileen Haley and Amanda Still for their hours of face painting, Sharon Boyer, Sue Burrows, Cameron Butler, Maggie Clare, Louella Couto, Ed Dobbs, Ann Dwyer, Nicole Grace, Jo-Ann Morgan, Mary-Elizabeth Monroy and Tyler Sanford. Last, but not least, thank you to the anonymous donor who arrived with a case of playground chalk that he donated to the festival.

Many hands shared the work of putting on this festival which was an extremely rewarding experience. The committee begins meeting monthly in January, and welcomes new members. If you’d like to be a part of the planning and support, please email onsetstreetpaintfest@yahoo.com. Our hope is to continue this annual event and to feature 3-D art in the park in a few years.

Milly Burrows
Jeff Burrows