Onset sidewalks transformed at 4th annual chalk festival

Aug 27, 2017

Art was everywhere in Prospect Park Sunday as more than 100 people made their mark for the 4th annual Chalk Full O Fun Onset Street Painting Festival.

The sidewalks surrounding the Onset Bandshell became canvases for the artists, old and young alike, as colorful, varied creations took shape throughout the day.

“People were here starting at 8 a.m.,” said Winna Dean of Onset, one of the festival’s judges. “Every year we sell more squares and it’s hard to judge winners. There’s so much great artwork.”

Elizabeth Malloy of Onset earned first place in the 18 and older category. A recent college graduate, Malloy said she’s wanted to enter the festival for the past few years, but was away at school while it took place.

She won for a drawing of her and her 16-year-old dog Mazzy kayaking. It shows Malloy basking in the sun while Mazzy faces her while sitting on the front of the kayak.

“We often go kayaking in Sunset Cove in Onset,” said Malloy. “It’s my favorite part of the summer.”

In addition to working on her piece, Malloy helped a couple of very young artists with their creation, a school of sharks.

“All of the kids were so excited to be here,” she said. “It was great to see.”

Festival founder and organizer Milly Burrows said this year a total of 116 sidewalk squares were used.

“We had a fantastic turnout. We had a good amount of people returning and a lot of new people participating, it was a really good mix,” said Burrows.

Burrows noted that this year’s featured artist was Bhen Alan of East Wareham. Alan has won the festival’s People’s Choice Award for the past two years, but didn’t enter this year’s contest as the featured artist. A professional artist, Alan paints in a variety of mediums, including oil and charcoal.

Looking ahead, Burrows said she’s searching for someone who creates three dimensional pieces to be the featured artist.

“We’re very excited about that,” said Burrows. “The sidewalk is really going to come alive.”