Kirsten breaks into song for her picks this weekend: “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? Yes, it does, and this weekend we will be celebrating that fact.”

Sarasota has a colorful history, rich with the stories of pioneers, entrepreneurs, architects, and iconic families. Its landscape has always been in flux. Today, the legacy continues with the transformation of one of the city’s districts into an unexpected hub for urban art.

The visage of Sarasota Chalk Festival founder Denise Kowal is emblazoned on the black-washed wall of the Sarasota Fight and Fitness Club. Will street artist MTO’s latest work be able to hold its own, or will its detractors knock it down for the count and send it the way of Fast Life?

This year’s Chalk Festival is now over, but the impact it had on our community has yet to be fully assessed. I attended the festival on four separate occasions. You could feel the energy building as more and more chalk artists, among more than 50 participants, developed their work throughout the 10 days of the festival. As I heard one onlooker proclaim, the process of creation was more important than the final product. That may be true, but the final drawings were still breathtaking. They were intricate designs conceived brilliantly; [...]

The Sarasota Chalk Festival by night was spectacular. The streets were surprisingly dark but the art just popped with everyone’s camera flashes. The VIP party had plenty of seating and the music could be heard throughout. We enjoyed getting to meet some of the artists still working on their projects, even in the dark. Kumpa Tawornprom took time to chat with us as he was touching up two life-like elephant sculptures, his donation to the festival. We’re impressed! – For more photos, visit and “Like” Instudio E on Facebook.  

Inspired and excited about the upcoming Sarasota Chalk Festival, I searched everywhere for my chalks—but I couldn’t find them. Still inspired, with pencil I scribbled together this video about the Chalk Festival and the weekend’s Halloween festivities. Two of my favorite things!! Something catch your fancy? Here are links to Kirsten’s mentionables.  – Sarasota Chalk Festivalchalkfestival.org- Halloween Bash at Evie’s Tavernfacebook.com/eviestavernfacebook.com/events/295846343854139/- Masquerade Halloween Party at Ivory Loungefacebook.com/ivorysarasotafacebook.com/events/421013447957279/?ref=ts&fref=ts – Wet Noses’ 1st Annual Cat and Dog Costume Paradefacebook.com/SarasotaPetGrooming?ref=ts&fref=tsfacebook.com/events/505794202765229/- Halloween Party at the St. Armands Daiquiri Deckfacebook.com/DaiquiriDeckStArmandsfacebook.com/events/478001572221358/- Punk Rock Betty’s Bloodbath Halloween Party [...]