Art in the Park season kicks off with chalk creations

The sidewalks of Centennial Park were uniquely adorned on Wednesday afternoon as part of the Town of Sylvan Lake’s 3rd annual Art in the Park.

Professional chalk artist Rozzie created two magnificent masterpieces over the course of two hours as part of the first of four Art in the Park events.

Rozzie’s chalk work was accompanied not only by that of youngsters and adults alike along nearby sidewalks, attendees also had the chance to take in the musical accompaniment of the band Sometimes Scarlett, with the House of Music, who entertained the crowd and added to the creative flow of the day.

Art in the Park takes place each Wednesday at Centennial Park starting at 11:30 a.m.

Michelle Morrison, Special Events Coordinator for the Town of Sylvan Lake explained this year’s Art in the Park events offer a broad range of activities on the artistic spectrum.

“It’s a great place for people to wander down during their lunch hours and with kids not being in school during the summer it’s a great activity for families, with all of the activities each week being completely free,” explained Morrison.

Next week’s event held on Wednesday July 27 will feature Zap Circus’ Purple People Show. The international performing artists will be hosting a ‘Make your own juggling balls workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with a one-hour performance to follow.

Based out of Australia, the award-winning duo is set to make another high impact performance the following weekend at Central Alberta’s largest street performer festival – Centrefest,held annually in downtown Red Deer on July 30 and 31.

The Wednesday following Zap Circus’ performance, Centennial Park will see another guest of Centrefest gracing their grass as Noah and Uri Weiss of Cirque No Problem perform two 45-minute shows.

These professional circus artists originally based in Israel have been performing around the world since 1995. They are known for a particularly unique combination of theatrics, acrobatic techniques and juggling routines.

“We’ve been working closely with Centrefest and we really value that partnership,” explained Morrison who added the Town may not have been able to secure international performing artists like these two groups had it not been for their partnership with Centrefest. “They have been amazing to work with and we are very fortunate to be able to have these international performers coming to Sylvan Lake.”

Aside from Zap Circus and Cirque No Problem, Centrefest 2016 will also host a number of street performers including ‘Flip!’ a high-flying, three-person acrobatic comedy trampoline show out of Quebec and ‘The Puppet Guy’, a rock and roll marionette show.

The Art in the Park finale for the season will be Painting in the Park, where an art instructor will be on site to assist as much as individuals would like, with free acrylic paint and supplies being provided.

Musical accompaniment will also be provided on this day by the Joel Kamps Duo, who is known for his blend of storytelling with acoustic music.

editor@sylvanlakenews.com