After a brief cancellation that left organizers scrambling for a new venue, the 30th-annual Pasadena Chalk Festival is back on and staying in town.
The Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena nonprofit arts and education organization that organizes the festival, announced the event will now be held at the Plaza at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 17 and 18.
“We’re excited to partner with The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Pasadena Convention Center and the City of Pasadena, who all came together quickly to rescue this year’s event,” said Tom Coston, chair of the board of the Light Bringer Project. “Our city places great value on arts and culture, and this is a perfect example.”
The festival regularly draws thousands to the Paseo’s spacious concourse and walkways, where for the past 15 years stunning chalk art from hundreds of artists from within and outside Southern California filled the floorspace.
Organizers announced the event’s cancellation last week, saying costs traditionally picked up by the venue owners — such as maintenance, security, set-up and movement of hardware and electrical services — would not be picked up under new ownership. The Paseo, at 280 E. Colorado Blvd., was purchased last year by the Onni Group, reportedly in a foreclosure transaction.
Organizers called the cancellation a huge hit for an event that they said had found a happy balance between Pasadena’s commercial and artistic interests in organizing the annual event, which raised money for school arts programs. Now, they’ll look to retain that balance moving just a block south.
“Historically, the Center has hosted several artists during Chalk Festival weekends on the Plaza and there’s sufficient space available to host the entire event this year,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company. “It took quick action by all interested parties to secure this year’s Chalk Festival. Because the Chalk Festival draws…
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