Colorful shapes and fantastic creatures spring from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s sidewalks at this weekend’s Chalk Festival. The 18th-annual outing of the area favorite looks way back for inspiration. “It takes a 16th-century Italian tradition into the modern world,” says spokesman Josh Taylor. “Beggars would do drawings of sculptures and paintings.” We doubt Cleveland’s homeless will get in on the action, but you never know: The CMA’s Chalk Festival boasts the second-largest attendance in the nation — right behind San Francisco’s.

Artists like Augusto Bordelois, Wendy Mahon, and Edwige Winans will work wonders with a piece of chalk, while guests have plenty of opportunities to make some temporary art of their own. “It’s very relaxed,” says Robin VanLear, the museum’s artistic director for community arts. “People have a really good time getting creative.” Local bands Blues DeVille and the Panic Steel Ensemble bring the noise. “It’s great to witness art happening before your very eyes,” says Taylor.
Sat., Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 16, 12-5 p.m.

This article appears in Sep 12-18, 2007.