Berkley Street Art Fest covers streets with chalk drawings

Artists of several walks of daily life brightened the streets of Berkley on Saturday as suppliers spread inspirational messages with uplifting products and solutions for sale.

From energetic sketches by kids to soul-going items of seasoned artists, the streets ended up lined with chalk art.

“Art calms me, and fills my head with creativeness,” said young artist Owen Miller, who finds the imaginative system therapeutic. 

Artist Maylani Siemasz, while working on a Woman and the Tramp chalk drawing, mentioned generating men and women smile is the best section of becoming an artist.

“The capacity to convey an impression to lifetime is 1 of the best points about artwork,” Siemasz said.

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To former art trainer Nancy VanAlstyne, chalk artwork has spiritual significance. After she misplaced her beloved yorkie, she observed chalk artwork to be a practical form of therapy. 

“Seeing the perform of chalk artist David Zinn influenced me to use chalk art to consolation me,” VanAlstyne mentioned.

“I put the two of my puppies in my chalk artwork as a reminder God generally cares.”

Zinn, an Ann Arbor-dependent chalk artist, was in attendance Saturday.

There was more to the pageant than just artwork. Sellers crammed the streets promoting products and solutions that positively affect lives.

“All of the things we promote are handcrafted and go to persons who are living in creating international locations and they are paid truthful wages and anything sold is all truthful trade,” mentioned Susan Rogal of Vitrine Gallery. “Additionally, a lot of of the artisans are ladies, and it is wonderful to empower moms as well as support out the complete village they are element of.”

The nonprofit Mend on the Go marketed jewellery built from motor metropolis vehicle parts.

“The people who make these objects are survivors of abuse,” stated director of functions Missy Ware. “We make absolutely sure all proceeds go back to supporting them.”

Mend on the Transfer also will make parts made out of motor vehicle leather in the spirit of recycling and repurposing materials.

With the blend of chalk art masterpieces and merchandise with relocating stories, the pageant sought to bring communities alongside one another with an explosion of creativity and deeper recognition of social concerns.